LeBron James issued a strong statement Wednesday on the horrific tragedy that has struck Israel in recent days.
The surprise attack by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel that began on Oct. 7 has left more than 1,200 Israelis dead and injured. A number of Americans are among the casualties. Hamas is also holding hostages.
In a statement issued by James and his longtime business partner Maverick Carter, the Los Angeles Lakers star called the attacks “terrorism.”
“The devastation in Israel is tragic and unacceptable,” the statement reads. “The murder and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism. The SpringHill Company family sends our deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community.
“We pray for peace in the region and reiterate our continued commitment to fight hate in all its forms. We must work to ensure this tragedy does not spread even more hate, racism and antisemitism.”
James’ comments echo a statement by President Joe Biden Monday, in which he referred to the “horrific terror attacks in Israel.”
“It is an outrage,” Biden said. “And we will continue to show the world that the American people are unwavering in our resolve to oppose terrorism in all forms.”
Some factions in the U.S. have blamed Israel for the attacks; almost three dozen Harvard student organizations, for example, have condemned Israel for creating the conditions that led Hamas to attack. Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire, who is Jewish, blasted the “blame Israel” crowd Sunday in an expletive-filled Instagram post that has since been deleted.
[TheSpun]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.