Bennett’s decision came on the heels of
an open letter by renowned musicians, artists and social justice advocates released Thursday asking the NFL players “to consider withdrawing from the delegation given Israel’s track record of human rights abuses.’’
The letter to NFL players Thursday urged them “to consider the political ramifications of attending the trip, drawing connections between the struggles faced by Black and Brown communities in the U.S., and Palestinian, Eritrean and Sudanese communities in Israel/Palestine.’’ The letter was signed by entertainer and activists Harry Belafonte, activist Angela Davis, actor Danny Glover and former sprinter John Carlos, among others, and co-signed by organizations that included the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.
Seahawk Cliff Avril, a close friend of Michael and Martellus Bennett, is also among those listed as part of the NFL delegation to Israel. It’s unclear if Avril will still make the trip, which is sponsored by the country’s Ministry for Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy in cooperation with the Tourism Ministry.
In a statement announcing the trip, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy Gilad Erdan said: “I see great importance in the arrival of this delegation of NFL stars to Israel. I have no doubt that their visit will be a powerful experience for them and I hope that, through their visit, they will get a balanced picture of Israel, the opposite from the false incitement campaign that is being waged against Israel around the world. I hope that the players will present the beautiful face of Israel to their tens of millions of fans in the United States.’’
The trip will
reportedly include visits to the Rambam hospital in Haifa, the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem and the Black Hebrew community in the southern city of Dimona.
Other players listed as part of the delegation, which is
scheduled to arrive on Monday, are Miami tight end Delanie Walker, Eagles linebacker Michael Kendricks, New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan, Miami receiver Kenny Stills, Arizona defensive lineman Calais Campbell, San Francisco running back Carlos Hyde, Oakland defensive tackle Dan Williams, Denver running back Justin Forsett, who began his career in Seattle and played for the Seahawks from 2008-11, and ESPN commentator and former linebacker Kirk Morrison (Stills on Friday night
Tweeted support of Bennett’s stance).