Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl was named chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association's board of directors on Tuesday.
Pearl has been outspoken in support of Jewish people both on U.S. soil and in Israel, including most recently using his platform at the NCAA Tournament to call for the return of Israeli hostages. He has also taken his players to play in Israel and visit some of its important locations to appreciate where his ancestors once lived.
"I am deeply honored to be named Chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association, and hope I can even begin to fill the shoes of outgoing Chair Dr. Phil Roe, former member of Congress and Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee," Pearl said in a statement. "My experience in Israel was transformative. I felt it was my responsibility to become more involved in the mission of USIEA and educating senior government leaders in America on the importance of supporting Israel."
"I also shared this important journey with my team. In August 2022, Auburn University became the first Division I basketball team to play a professional Israeli team, marking a historic moment in both college athletics and U.S.-Israel relations. I’m proud to continue advocating for greater understanding and collaboration between our two nations," he added.
“I’ve dedicated much of my life to teaching young people about the importance of leadership, values, and understanding different perspectives," Pearl continued. "My work with USIEA aligns with those principles, and I’m excited to continue building a bridge of understanding between these two great nations.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
