ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone‘s parents are among about 50 people affiliated with a Naples, Florida-based church that is praying for their safe return from Israel this week.
Israel has pledged an unparalleled attack on Hamas following the breach of the border fence by the Islamic militant group’s fighters, who stormed into southern Israel last Saturday. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has taken at least 2,200 lives, has continued into its fifth day.
Andy Wells, First Naples Communications Pastor, stated that the church reached out to Pastor Alan Brumback, who is also on the overseas tour, on Wednesday.
Wells stated, “He keeps informing us that the whole team is doing well and is in high spirits. Currently, their return flight is on time. We are praying that they can return on their planned flight and reunite with us soon.”
Anzalone told The Detroit News on Sunday, after Detroit beat the Carolina Panthers, that all he has been thinking about is his parents.
“It’s hard,” Anzalone told the newspaper.
Upon learning about the predicament of Anzalone’s parents on Sunday night, Lions coach Dan Campbell said he reached out to Anzalone.
“Campbell stated on Wednesday that he didn’t wish to provide further details. However, he shared that the individual believed they were in a secure situation. The challenge now is to discover an exit strategy,” he said.
I understand it’s not straightforward, and I’m aware it burdens him significantly. It’s a challenging situation out there.
According to The Detroit News, the parents of Anzalone arrived in Israel on Oct. 2 and they are scheduled to leave through Tel Aviv on Thursday.
“On the church’s Facebook page, Brumback posted, “We are faring well at our Jerusalem hotel. Please continue to pray for a swift and peaceful resolution for Israel.”
On Sunday, Anzalone tagged President Joe Biden on the social network X, previously known as Twitter, urging him to bring his parents home. However, the tweet has since been removed.
Copyright The Associated Press 2023
