Six NFL players have pulled out of an Israel tour to show support for Palestine.  

The Israeli government has been suspected of promoting the players as “ambassadors of goodwill for Israel” to improve the country’s image, according to Tourism Minister Yariv Lavin in an article by Fox News.

The visit was organized by the Ministry of Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy. On the itinerary was a visit to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and Christian holy sites. The players also anticipated a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a consultation with the “Black Hebrews,” a community of African Americans who reside in southern Israel.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the excursion was intended to exhibit “a balanced picture of Israel,” as released by the Associated Press.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was the first to pull out of the circuit due to his apprehension of being used by the Israeli government.

Bennett stated on Instagram: “I was not aware, until reading this article about the trip in the Times of Israel, that my itinerary was being constructed by the Israeli government for the purpose of making me, in the words of a government official, an ‘influencer and opinion former’ who would then be ‘an ambassador of good will.’ I will not be used in such a manner.”

Since Bennett’s statement, the ministry has made no further comment through the Associated Press. Astonishingly, Bennett has received no criticism over his proclamation, but rather immense support from fellow NFL players.

It is refreshing and unexpected that in this particular instance the public has decided to side with Bennett’s political stance rather than mock the athlete for having a rationalization.

Among the players who refused to partake in the visit are Seahawks’ Cliff Avril, Miami Dolphins’ Kenny Stills, San Francisco 49ers’ Carlos Hyde, Denver Broncos’ Justin Forsett, New England Patriots’ Martellus Bennett, and retired NFL star Kirk Morrison.

Athletes have always had a platform to voice their concerns and beliefs, and now they have chosen to take action.

In spite of this, the Nation released an ingenuous letter calling for players to boycott the expedition by means of parallels between President Donald Trump’s “racist” policies, and South Africa during the apartheid era and Israel.

The letter stated: “Your visit comes at a time of growing public outcry against all oppressive policies. Palestinians are struggling today for their rights just like those who struggled in the U.S. Civil Rights and South African anti-Apartheid Movements, and just like brown and black communities doing so across the United States now.”

The petition further accused the U.S. of funding Israeli “war crimes” and resulted in a great amount of support by various far-left organizations. Those who undersigned the letter were the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel and its U.S.-based equivalent, and Jewish Voice for Speech.

Whether a political figure or a professional athlete, every individual should be given the respect and understanding of voicing their intuitions. It should not come as a shock that even athletes are politically aware and are using their influence to make a statement.

“Like 1968 Olympian John Carlos always says, ‘There is no partial commitment to justice. You are either in or you’re out.’ Well, I’m in,” Bennett said.