All major U.S. professional sports leagues released statements at the start of this week expressing support for Israel and condemning the unprecedented Palestinian terrorist attacks that the country faced over the weekend.
The statements come after hundreds of Israelis and several Americans were murdered in the surprise attacks. Thousands more were injured, and Hamas claims it is holding more than 100 hostages.
“The NFL mourns the loss of innocent lives in Israel and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism,” the NFL’s statement said. “The depravity of these acts is beyond comprehension, and we grieve with the families of those killed, injured, and still missing. We pray for peace and will always stand against the evils of hate.”
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2023
“The NBA and NBPA mourn the horrific loss of life in Israel and condemn these acts of terrorism,” the NBA said in a statement. “We stand with the people of Israel and pray for peace for the entire region.”
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2023
“The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association mourn the loss of life in Israel and condemn the acts of terrorism,” the NHL said. “We hope for a time when peace can be achieved.”
— NHL (@NHL) October 9, 2023
“We are horrified by the acts of terrorism committed against the people of Israel that took so many lives,” the MLB said in a statement. “We mourn for all those who lost loved ones and pray for the wounded, their caretakers and those still searching for family and friends. We condemn these acts of hatred and violence and are heartbroken for the people of Israel.”
— MLB (@MLB) October 9, 2023
The PGA Tour released a statement expressing support for Israel after this report was published.
“The PGA Tour is horrified and heartbroken by this weekend’s indefensible terror attacks in Israel, and condemns violence in all capacities,” the PGA said. “We are praying for those wounded to recover, for the communities impacted by this devastation to rebuild, and for those mourning loved ones to heal.”
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 9, 2023
Major League Soccer also released a statement after this report was published, saying that the league “mourns the loss of innocent lives in Israel and condemns terrorism in all forms.”
“Our hearts ache for all the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or are missing at this time,” the statement said. “We hope that peace, dialogue and understanding will prevail over violence and hate.”
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 9, 2023