Ahead of his Sweet 16 matchup with Michigan, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog to discuss the outspoken coach's support for Israel and hostages in Gaza.
Pearl opened his Round of 32 victory press conference by calling for the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, who is being held hostage in Gaza, as well as more than 50 other hostages.
In a video chat, Herzog praised Pearl and thanked him for his advocacy.
"You've raised the plight for our hostages in the most important arena in the United States public, there, coach, and especially on behalf of Edan Alexander, so bless you for that," Herzog stated. This is the most important topic of humanity in my mind because it shows how you deal with cruelty and how you get innocent people out from the dungeons of Gaza."
"I want you to know that ... the vast majority of Americans support Israel and now have a greater understanding about what y'all have been dealing with since you were born in 1948," Pearl replied.
According to JNS, Adi Alexander, Edan’s father, will attend Auburn’s Friday night game as a guest of Athletes for Israel, helping to further spotlight the hostage crisis.
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