Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett will not participate in a sponsored trip to Israel, he announced via Twitter. The trip, planned by the Israeli government, is intended to combat the negative perception of Israel and will include several NFL players. Bennett won’t be one of them.
Michael Bennett backs out of sponsored Israel trip because he ‘will not be used’ by government
Bennett, Kenny Stills, and Justin Forsett have all withdrawn from the trip.
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
Bennett took exception to the Israeli government’s plans to make him “an influencer and opinion-former” on its behalf, with the expectation that he would become “an ambassador of goodwill” for Israel. Bennett, who expressed his support for Palestinians, said he was unaware when he agreed to the trip that was the Israeli government’s expectation, and that he will not “be used in such a manner.”
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills tweeted that he will also withdraw from the trip.
Denver Broncos running back Justin Forsett is also out.
Ultimately, only five of the 11 players invited went on the trip.
Bennett cited the influence of Muhammad Ali, whose support for the Palestinian people never wavered. Bennett said that participating in this trip would keep him from being a “voice for the voiceless” Palestinian people.
An open letter from advocates for Palestinians to the NFL players committed to participate in this trip to Israel was published in The Nation. It urged players to consider withdrawing from the trip.
“Based on the public dedication to social justice that many of you share, it came as a surprise to us to see that you will be going on a tour of Israel next week sponsored by the Israeli government as part of an effort to get you to ‘become ambassadors of goodwill for Israel,’” the letter read. “We would ask that you reconsider attending.”
The trip is scheduled to last a week, and includes a hospital visit, a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and a meeting with a group of black Americans who live in southern Israel and are known as the “Black Hebrews.” The group will visit Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and Galilee.
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