Ex-Patriots star Julian Edelman, who is Jewish, discusses 'hurtful' antisemitism: 'Sad moment right now'

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Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, antisemitism and acts of hate against Jews have skyrocketed.

The Anti-Defamation League reported this week that recorded antisemitic incidents were up 120% in 2023 from the year prior (8,873 in total). Perhaps the most jarring was that there were 1,009 bomb threats against synagogues and other Jewish institutions last year versus 91 in 2022.

Prominent Jewish members of the sports community have been outspoken since Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists from Gaza crossed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people. Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph wore cleats that read, "I Stand With Israel," and Auburn's men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl has consistently spoken about the conflict.

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Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots is seen before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Oct. 25, 2020. (Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, who is Jewish, also showed his support during his playing days. On several occasions, he donned an Israeli flag, and shortly after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting of 2018, he wore specialized cleats that read the names of all the victims.

Edelman also invited ex-NBA player Meyers Leonard to a Shabbat dinner after the latter used a Jewish slur during a live stream.

With antisemitism increasing, Edelman said it's a "sad moment right now, what the world is going through."

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is seen before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sept.