While much of the global sports world has distanced itself from Israel—amid reports of possible FIFA sanctions and violent pro-Palestinian protests at events like the Vuelta a España—there have also been notable acts of solidarity since the October 7 Hamas massacre two years ago.
The German Bundesliga has been among Israel’s most steadfast supporters. When the league resumed play on Oct. 20, 2023, after its international break, every match opened with a moment of silence. “Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel had a deep impact on the world of German football,” the Bundesliga said in a statement.
Borussia Dortmund held a minute of silence immediately after what Israelis now call “Black Saturday,” and later invited children who survived the attacks on the Gaza border to tour the stadium and meet the players.
Werder Bremen went even further. Outside its stadium, fans displayed a massive tifo bearing the image of slain Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a supporter of both Bremen and Hapoel Jerusalem, with the words “Let Hersh Free.” After learning of his death in captivity, they replaced it with another banner reading “Hersh Forever.” Fans also unveiled a display honoring Inbar Haiman, whose body is still held in Gaza. The club and its supporters have long had a close bond with Israel—and have not hesitated to show it.
3 View gallery
Werder Bremen fans roll out tifo in memory of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin
(Photo: Werder Bremen)
3 View gallery
Werder Bremen fans display banner in memory of slain hostage Inbar Haiman
(Photo: Cathrin Mueller/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich joined the show of solidarity in October 2024, holding a memorial event at the city’s main synagogue. The club invited 10 Israelis whose family members were kidnapped by Hamas to attend its home match against Heidenheim. During halftime, the stadium announcer declared, “Bayern sends a clear message against terror and stands in full solidarity with the hostages, their families and Israel.”
From the ring to Israel
Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, one of the greatest fighters and richest athletes of all time, proved that his influence extends far beyond the ring. Immediately after the October 7 attacks, he sent his private jet loaded with medical supplies and bulletproof vests to Israel.
In 2024, Mayweather visited the country, met wounded soldiers at the Beit HaLohem rehabilitation center, and donated $100,000 to the United Hatzalah emergency response organization. He later launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which delivers gifts to orphaned Israeli children. At a gala event in Miami, he said: “You don’t have to be Jewish to stand with justice.”
When pro-Palestinian activists in London confronted him over his stance, Mayweather calmly replied, “I don’t apologize for helping people who are suffering.” The former world champion recently returned to Israel, meeting with soldiers and terror survivors.
NBA superstar LeBron James and NFL legend Tom Brady also expressed support early on. “The murder and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism,” James wrote shortly after the attack. “The SpringHill Company family sends our deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community.”
Brady was equally direct: “There’s no gray area when it comes to condemning the terror acts of Hamas against Israeli civilians. My heart breaks for the innocent lives lost.”
However, since those initial posts, both athletes have remained publicly silent on the ongoing war in Gaza.
Premier League keeps its distance
In England, Premier League clubs have largely avoided taking a clear stance. One exception was Crystal Palace, which on October 13, 2023, issued a rare statement condemning Hamas’ atrocities: “More than 1,000 Israeli citizens, as well as others visiting from around the world, including from Britain, were murdered or taken hostage in Israel by Hamas terrorists on Saturday,” the club said. “As a club we add our voices to the global condemnation of the deaths of all innocent people.”
The statement stood out amid the relative silence from most English teams, who reportedly sought to avoid “appearing to take sides in the Middle East conflict.”
The Premier League itself released a neutral message: “The Premier League is shocked and saddened by the escalating crisis in Israel and Gaza, and strongly condemns the horrific and brutal acts of violence against innocent civilians. We hope for peace, and our heartfelt sympathies are with the victims, their families and the communities impacted.”
The NBA connection
Six days after the October 7 massacre, the Brooklyn Nets hosted Maccabi Ra’anana for an exhibition game, which became a symbol of solidarity. Israeli pop star Noa Kirel performed Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. Ra’anana later faced the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves in additional matches during their U.S. tour.
This week, the Nets once again hosted an Israeli team—Hapoel Jerusalem—in New York. The game turned into another public show of support for Israel, with thousands of Israeli fans filling the arena. Israeli-American singer Gilad Paz performed both national anthems, and Israeli players Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf were visibly moved as Hatikvah echoed through the hall.