NFL players head to Israel to meet locals, visit religious sites

Top National Football League players are set to visit Israel next week, the ministries of tourism and public diplomacy announce.

The delegation of 12 — Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker, Michael Kendricks, Cameron Jordan, Kenny Stills, Calais Campbell, Carlos Hyde, Dan Williams, Justin Forsett, and ESPN commentator and former linebacker Kirk Morrison — will visit Rambam hospital in Haifa, the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem and the Black Hebrew community in Dimona, according to a statement put out by the ministries.

“The players will also hold an exhibition match in Jerusalem with the Israeli Football team on Saturday evening,” the statement says.

Players will also visit the Jordan River site of Yardenit, where some will undergo baptism.

Gilad Erdan, head of the ministry for strategic affairs and public diplomacy, suggests the visit will give the players “a balanced picture of Israel, the opposite from the false incitement campaign that is being waged against Israel around the world.”

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin echoes the sentiment. “Football stars are a source of inspiration for all American citizens. I am sure that, after the experiences that the players will enjoy in Israel and after they have seen the unique tourist sites and the special atmosphere here, they will become ambassadors of good will for Israel,” he says.