LeBron James spoke out against violence in the Middle East after Hamas led a deadly surprise attack on Israel earlier this week.
In a joint statement with his longtime friend and SpringHill Company CEO Maverick Carter, James condemned the actions that have killed more than 1,000 Israelis.
“The destruction in Israel is tragic and unacceptable,” the Wednesday statement said. “Killing and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism. The SpringHill Company family extends its condolences to Israel and the Jewish community. We pray for peace in the region and reiterate our continued commitment to fighting hatred in all its forms.
“We must all work to ensure that this tragedy does not spread more hatred, racism and antisemitism.”
James wasn’t the first player to address violence this week, as Wizards forward Deni Avdija — the league’s only Israeli-born player — condemned Hamas’ actions in a lengthy post.
Smoke billows after an Israeli attack on the port of Gaza City on October 10, 2023. AFP via Getty Images
The worst attack on Israel in 50 years: How we got here
2005: Israel unilaterally withdraws from the Gaza Strip three decades after winning the territory from Egypt in the Six-Day War.
2006: The terrorist group Hamas wins Palestinian legislative elections.
2007: Hamas takes control of Gaza in a civil war.
2008: Israel launched a military offensive against Gaza after Palestinian terrorists fired rockets into the city of Sderot.
2023: Hamas launches its biggest attack on Israel in 50 years.
More than 1,300 Israelis have been killed, more than 3,000 injured and at least 100 taken hostage, with the death toll expected to rise after Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli cities.
Hamas terrorists are seen taking women hostage and parading them through the streets in a gruesome video.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “We are at war” and promised Hamas would pay an “unprecedented price.”
Gaza health officials reported at least 1,400 Palestinians killed and more than 6,000 injured.
LeBron James spoke out against the attack.Getty Images
Before his career in the NBA, Avdija was a three-time Israeli League champion and was the league’s MVP three years ago.
He has also competed with the country’s national team.
“When I’m here playing football, my mind is always drawn back to Israel,” Avdija said in an Instagram post on Monday. “Last Saturday, terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad unleashed destruction in 21 places across Gaza.”
“They mercilessly killed and slaughtered innocent children, women, and the elderly — some at home, others at parties while celebrating the holiday.”
In Major League Baseball, Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer, a dual American-Israeli citizen, spoke Monday about the strike before his ALDS Game 3 start on Tuesday.
The right-hand man still has extended family in Israel, and said on Monday that the conflict “will be in the back of my head.”
During his visit on Wednesday, Kremer was seen wearing a Star of David necklace while on the mound.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
