Floyd Mayweather Praises Wounded IDF Soldiers as ‘Brave Warriors, True Heroes’ During Solidarity Trip to Israel
Floyd Mayweather Jr. gestures during a press conference, ahead of exhibition fight with John Gotti III, in Mexico City, Mexico, August 23, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Henry Romero
Undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather is currently in Israel to show support for the country amid its ongoing war against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, and on Tuesday he visited soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who have been wounded fighting on behalf of the Jewish state.
The boxing world champion met wounded IDF soldiers at Hadassah Hospital and wrote in an Instagram post that the visit “was deeply emotional.” He shared several photos from his visit and said, “Witnessing the strength and courage of these brave heroes was truly inspiring. May God bless them all.”
Mayweather also visited wounded IDF soldiers at the Belev Echad rehabilitation center in Kiryat Ono and told the soldiers “you guys are brave warriors, I take my hat off to everyone in here that go on that battlefield.”
“Everyone can’t do your job, just like everyone can’t do my job,” he added. “You guys are team players. I am proud of you all. Hold your head up high and just know every day is a blessing. We can’t take nothing for granted and you guys are true heroes. You guys are warriors and I’m behind you guys 100 percent. I’ll be back and you guys have my support.”
Mayweather shared a photo with some of the soldiers from the Belev Echad rehab center in a separate Instagram post and said the visit was “a humbling experience.” The Belev Echad center said Mayweather “spent time engaging with our heroes, sharing words of encouragement, and emphasizing the importance of resilience both in and out of the ring.”
This is Mayweather’s fourth visit to Israel since the Gaza war began, following the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Mayweather was one of the first outside of Israel to send supplies to the Jewish state — including medical equipment, food, and bulletproof vests for IDF soldiers — after the Oct. 7 massacre. The athlete landed in Israel earlier this week and shortly after his arrival wrote in an Instagram post that the country “feels like home away from home.”
“There’s nothing like returning to such warmth and hospitality!” he added. “A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at Ben Gurion Airport for the welcome back … Actions speak louder than words, and I’m here to support in every way I can. Here’s to another great journey together.”
Mayweather has made a number of stops in Jerusalem this week. He visited the Western Wall, the US embassy, where he met former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, and the Orthodox yeshiva Sha’arei Mevaseret Zion, where he told students, “I will continue to support Israel, I will be back, and I will continue to be a voice for the [Jewish] people.” Mayweather was also gifted this week by JB Jewelers in Israel a limited edition $20,000 watch in the colors of the Israeli flag in honor of his support for Israel. The watch was created to mark the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence, and its back features an image of an Israeli flag.
Earlier this month, Mayweather pledged $100,000 to United Hatzalah of Israel so the emergency medical service organization can purchase 100 bulletproof vests to keep its volunteers safe.
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