NBA
Israel War 2023
LeBron James is speaking out against violence in the Middle East after Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel earlier this week.
In a statement with longtime friend SpringHill CEO Maverick Carter, James condemned the actions that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 Israelis.
“The devastation in Israel is tragic and unacceptable,” Wednesday’s statement read. “Hamas’ murder and violence against innocent people is terrorism. The SpringHill Company family extends its deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community.” We pray for peace in the region and reaffirm our continued commitment to combating all forms of hatred.
“We must all work to ensure that this tragedy does not spread further hatred, racism and anti-Semitism.”
James isn’t the first player to address violence this week, with Wizards forward Deni Avdija – the league’s only Israeli-born player – denouncing the actions of Hamas in a lengthy post.
Israel’s worst attack in 50 years: How we got here
2005: Israel unilaterally withdraws its troops from the Gaza Strip three decades after seizing the territory from Egypt in the Six-Day War.
2006: Terrorist group Hamas wins Palestinian legislative elections.
2007: Hamas seizes control of Gaza amid civil war.
2008: Israel launches a military offensive in Gaza after Palestinian terrorists fired rockets into the town of Sderot.
2023: Hamas launches its largest attack on Israel in 50 years.
More than 1,200 Israelis have died, more than 3,000 have been injured, and at least 100 people have been taken hostage. Hamas terrorists have fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli towns. The death toll is expected to rise. .
In horrific videos, Hamas terrorists take female hostages and parade them through the streets.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared “we are at war” and vowed that Hamas would pay “a price it has never known”.
Gaza health officials reported that at least 1,050 Palestinians were killed and more than 5,000 injured.
Prior to his NBA career, Avdija was a three-time Israeli League champion and was the league’s MVP three years ago.
He has also played for the country’s national team.
“While I’m playing here, my mind keeps being drawn back to Israel,” Avdija posted on Instagram on Monday. “On Saturday, terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad wreaked havoc in 21 locations across Gaza.”
“They mercilessly murdered and massacred innocent children, women and the elderly – some at home and some at parties celebrating holidays.”
In Major League Baseball, Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer, who has dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship, addressed the attacks Monday before Game 3 of the ALDS.
The right-hander, who still has extended family in Israel, said Monday the conflict “will always be in the back of my mind.”
During Wednesday’s outing, Kramer was seen wearing a Star of David necklace on the mound.