Tapiro will leave a big hole for Israel to fill as they attempt to qualify for next year's FIBA World Championship in Turkey with a strong showing at the EuroBasket.
A combo-guard who made his EuroBasket debut in 1999, Tapiro has been a warrior who thrived in difficult circumstances.
Due in large part to his leadership, Israel earned a place at the last two EuroBaskets by claiming the only spot on offer in the Additional Qualifying Round.
Sherf says Tapiro has been a fantastic player.
"Four years ago, Meir told me he planned to quit the team but I talked him into staying," Sherf said.
"The things he has done in those four years with the national team are things I wish for any national player team to achieve.
"I know how much Meir sacrificed for the team.
"In the last four years, he became the leader. We want to give him the biggest hug and enormous love for the ways he contributed to Israeli basketball."
Tapiro said at a press conference where he announced his retirement that he likely would have continued if Israel had not earned a direct ticket to the EuroBasket in Poland from Division A.
"If we hadn't make it to EuroBasket last summer, I believe I would have continued to play with the team, to try and help it survive another Additional Qualifying Round road because I know how important it is for Israeli basketball to play in a EuroBasket," he said.
"Once I realized it wasn't the case, I felt it was time to give the young generation of players a chance to prove themselves."
