New England Patriots wide receiver, Julian Edelman, who is Jewish, has invited the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, after Jackson’s anti-Semitic comments on social media.
“I have seen DeSean play his career, perform outstanding jugas, we have communicated on social media. I have only respect for his game. I know he said some ugly things, but I do see an opportunity to have this conversation,” Edelman said in a video. posted to Instagram on Thursday morning.
“I am proud of my Jewish heritage, and for me, it is not just about religion. It is about community and culture, too,” he added. “I am unusual because I did not identify as a Jew until later in my life. Whenever I came across hate, I never really felt it was directed at me. It was only until I was part of this community that I learned how destructive hate is. Anti-Semitism is one of the oldest forms of hatred. It is rooted in ignorance and fear. ” .
Edelman, 34, told Jackson, 33, that if they visit the Holocaust Museum, he would then accept a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC to learn more about Jackson.
“I don’t want to distract from how important the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement is. And how we need to keep supporting it. I think the black and Jewish communities have many similarities,” Edelman said in the video.
“An unfortunate similarity is that both have been attacked by the ignorant and the haters. It is really difficult to see the challenges that a community can face when you are not part of it. So what we need to do is listen. We need to learn. We need Act. We need to engage in these awkward conversations if we are to have real change. “
In addition to Edelman, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive lineman, Mitchell Schwartz, who is also Jewish, posted a message on his Instagram account.
Schwartz, 31, wrote: “My hope is that we can use this moment to shed light and raise awareness of the hatred and oppression that continues to endure the Jewish community. While remaining in solidarity with the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. We can only have a change if we denounce racism and prejudice in all its forms. Our platforms as athletes are a powerful tool, and with that comes great responsibility. We can all do better. “
In Edelman’s video, he said he received an anti-Semitic insult during a 2011 game.
“There is no room for anti-Semitism in this world,” said Edelman. “This world needs more love, compassion, and empathy.”
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