Israeli soccer star Daniel Peretz sent a heartfelt message to sports fans all over the world asking them to speak up against terrorism and stand in solidarity with Israel.
Peretz is the goalkeeper of the prominent German soccer team Bayern Munich and one of the most influential Israeli athletes.
"I know what it's like to be an athlete," he said in a video published on his Instagram account. "There is so much pressure, with everyone's eyes on us at every second, every minute, and every hour. Sometimes, it's a good thing because a few words from us can influence millions. I promise you, this is not about politics. Over 1,300 innocent civilians have been murdered, 2,700 injured, and more than 150 taken hostage in Gaza, including babies and the elderly. We have seen it in the past, with 9/11 in the past and the 2015 attack in Paris; we know how much terrorism hurts and how crucial it is to fight against it."
Peretz also highlighted how the people of Israel, himself included, are still grappling with what happened.
"We are still processing everything - the horror, the kidnappings, the terrorism - stories we never thought we would hear again," he said.
A message against terrorism
The soccer player appealed to his colleagues to condemn what happened.
"I call on all athletes and sports organizations all over the world to stand united," he said. "Share, speak out against terrorism, make a donation. Let's honor the memory of the victims with a moment of silence and unite in the fight against evil."
Peretz posted on Instagram at a time when he was supposed to be with the Israeli national team for their European Championship qualifiers, but the matches against Switzerland and Kosovo were postponed due to the situation.
As a result, Peretz spent part of the break in New York, where his wife, Noa Kirel, performed the national anthem before a friendly match between the Brooklyn Nets and Maccabi Raanana.
However, in the same hours, his fellow teammate Noussair Mazraoui, published an anti-Israeli message on social media, which was also endorsed by other players from the Moroccan national team.