An NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks says he will not be participating in a trip to Israel due to his sympathy for Palestinians.
FoxNews.com reports that Seahawks defense lineman Michael Bennett posted a letter to Twitter in which he explains why he will not be accompanying fellow players on the trip.
The trip was organized by the Israeli government in the hopes that welcoming the NFL players would help Israel improve its image around the world.
Bennett, however, said, “I will not be used in such a manner.” He added that if he does visit Israel, he will also visit the West Bank and Gaza Strip and will meet with Palestinians.
The players who are going on the trip include the Seahawks' Cliff Avril, Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Mychal Kendricks, Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints, Calais Campbell of the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49er Carlos Hyde, Dan Williams of the Oakland Raiders and Justin Forsett of the Denver Broncos, will visit a hospital, the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and will meet with “Black Hebrews” from an African-American Israeli community.
Israeli Cabinet Minister Gilad Erdan stressed the “great importance” of the visit and Tourism Minister Yariv Lavin stated that the players would become “ambassadors of goodwill for Israel.”
Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills is reportedly refraining from participating in the trip as well.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Publication date: February 13, 2017
