NBA and MLB lead the way in condemning terrorism
The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Major League Baseball (MLB) have issued strong statements of support for Israel as the country faces a barrage of rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist group. The NBA and the MLB are the first major professional sports leagues in the US to publicly stand with Israel in this crisis.
The NBA posted on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, that it mourns the horrific loss of life in Israel and condemns these acts of terrorism. The league’s commissioner, Adam Silver, is Jewish. The NBA also said that it stands with the people of Israel and prays for peace for the entire region. Numerous NBA teams then reposted the league’s message.
The MLB posted a similar statement on X, saying that it is horrified by the acts of terrorism committed against the people of Israel and is heartbroken for the people of Israel. The MLB also expressed its hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Both statements have received thousands of likes and retweets from fans and celebrities who appreciate the leagues’ courage and compassion.
Israeli and Jewish players share their personal stories and emotions
Several Israeli and Jewish players in the NBA and the MLB have also shared their personal stories and emotions on social media, showing how deeply they are affected by the situation in their homeland.
The Washington Wizards, the team of the NBA’s lone Israeli player, Deni Avdija, posted that they stand with the people of Israel. Avdija himself posted a lengthy statement on Instagram, writing that he personally knows some of the victims and that while he is here playing ball, his thoughts are constantly pulled back to Israel. He also urged his followers to spread awareness and love, not hate.
Baltimore Orioles Israeli pitcher Dean Kremer, who was born in California to Israeli parents and has played for Team Israel in international tournaments, shared the MLB’s message on Instagram with a Hebrew note saying, “There are no words. My heart just got ripped to shreds.” Kremer is likely to start the Orioles’ playoff game Tuesday – which they have to win to stay alive in the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers – and Orioles beat reporter Dan Connolly tweeted that some of Kremer’s teammates have checked in on him.
Many of Kremer’s teammates from Team Israel also reshared the MLB’s post, including rookies Matt Mervis and Zack Gelof and Orthodox prospect Jacob Steinmetz. Boston Red Sox pitcher Zack Weiss, another Team Israel alum, posted an Instagram story about the conflict, and Team Israel coach and former big leaguer Kevin Youkilis posted a photo of himself in his Team Israel jersey with the caption “I stand with Israel.”
These players have shown their love and loyalty to their country and their people, as well as their professionalism and dedication to their sport.
Other sports teams and athletes join the chorus of support
In addition to the NBA and the MLB, other sports teams and athletes from different leagues and disciplines have also joined the chorus of support for Israel amid Hamas attacks.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is Jewish and a longtime supporter of Israel, issued a statement on X, saying that he is heartbroken by the violence and loss of life in Israel. He also said that he stands with Israel and hopes for peace and security for all.
Other teams that shared posts of support for Israel include the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, Miami’s MLB and NBA teams, the New York Jets, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia 76ers, among others.
Detroit Lions player Alex Anzalone shared that his parents are currently in Jerusalem, pleading with the US government to help them safely evacuate. “It’s hard,” Anzalone told The Detroit News. ” (It’s) really all I’ve been thinking about.” Anzalone’s parents are reportedly part of a group of 53 Americans who arrived in Israel on Oct. 2 as part of a tour group through their church in Naples, Florida. Rep. Byron Donalds, who represents the area in Congress, posted about the group on X, to which Anzalone replied: “Please get my parents home… @POTUS,” tagging US President Joe Biden’s official account.
Amar’e Stoudemire, the former NBA star who converted to Judaism and played professionally in Israel, posted a video on Instagram showing him praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He also wrote that he is praying for peace and protection for Israel.
These teams and athletes have demonstrated unprecedented support for Israel in a time of crisis, showing that sports can be a powerful force for good in the world.
