Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone shared a very positive update on his parents on Thursday morning following several stressful days for his family. His parents, stuck in Israel as Hamas militants began an assault on the nation on Saturday, have finally managed to get out of the country safely.
“Thank you to everyone who has been saying prayers for my family and their safety,” Anzalone posted on X. “It’s been a scary, anxiety filled several days but my parents are headed home safely. So many people to thank but I know this, God is good.”
The former Florida Gator shared over the weekend that his parents were in Israel as the country declared war on Hamas following terror attacks.
Anzalone’s parents, Sal and Judy Anzalone, were part of a tour group of 53 Americans. His parents arrived in Israel on Oct. 2 with the tour group from First Naples, a Baptist congregation in Naples, Florida.
On Saturday, pastor Alan Brumback, who is on the trip with the group, shared an update via the church’s Facebook page.
“We are doing good at our hotel in Jerusalem,” he wrote. “Continue to pray for Israel and for this to be resolved as peacefully and quickly as possible.”
Now, Anzalone can focus on the Lions’ Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. Detroit won in Week 5, 42-24, against the Carolina Panthers.
U.S. citizens killed in Israel amid Hamas attacks
At least 22 Americans have reportedly died in the attacks with total deaths climbing to more than 1,000 on Monday. At least 17 more U.S. citizens are reportedly still in Hamas’ hands.
The NFL posted a message on X on Monday in support of peace in the region and an end to terrorism and hate.
“The NFL mourns the loss of innocent lives in Israel and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism,” the league’s statement reads. “The depravity of these acts is beyond comprehension, and we grieve with the families of those killed, injured and still missing. We pray for peace and will always stand against the evils of hate.”
On Wednesday, Florida representative Cory Mills, an Iraq war veteran, flew to Israel to help rescue another 32 Americans stuck in the war-torn nation. Photos showed the congressman on a flight back to the U.S. with his passengers, however, he was unable to share more details about the rescue mission or its location due to operational concerns and constraints, Fox News reported.