Former NFL stars Boomer Esiason and Irvin “Ike” Reese traveled to Israel this week to make an emotional plea to the IDF and government officials to release four American hostages, including two from the United States and two from France, who have been held captive since April.
Esiason, a former quarterback, and Reese, a former linebacker, met with family members of the hostages, as well as representatives from the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They also visited the Haifa Interfaith Center, where they lit a memorial candle for the hostages.
“We’re here to bring hope to a difficult situation,” Esiason said. “We want to do everything we can to help bring these people home safely.”
The hostages were kidnapped in April in Hebron, West Bank, by a Palestinian group which has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The group has also been condemned by the US and EU governments.
Esiason, a Florida resident, and Reese, a Philadelphia resident, learned about the situation and decided to take action. They traveled to Israel with Phil, a former Philadelphia Eagles player, who also supported the cause.
The Visit to Israel was made possible through the efforts of the organization, Ichud Sheba Medical Center, which has been supporting the families of the hostages.
During their visit, the former NFL stars attended a memorial candlelight vigil, where they lit a candle in honor of the hostages. “It’s heartbreaking to see these families suffer,” Esiason said, “and we’re here to do our part to help.”
Esiason and Reese also visited the Holot Kedoshim Memorial, which honors the victims of terrorism, where they visited with families of other victims of terrorism.
Esiason, a father of two, said, “These families, like my own family, are desperate to have their loved ones back. It’s heartbreaking, and we’re here to do what we can to make this happen.”
