Julian Edelman, wide receiver for the New England Patriots, stepped up again to stand with the victims of terror, after the latest senseless shooting attack on a San Diego-area Chabad synagogue that left one woman dead and three other people injured. “I’m so sad to be writing about another attack on a Synagogue today on the Shabbat and on the last day of Passover. I’m so sorry for the loss and we are with you San Diego. I’m sad and angry, but also proud of the strength of our community. You can’t break us,” Edelman tweeted. As reported by VIN News, his statement was retweeted roughly 3,000 times and liked more than 24,800 times in the hours following the attack.
The San Diego terror attack left the Rabbi, a girl and another man injured. The 61-year old woman who was killed in the tragic hate crime, will be remembered as a hero for selflessly jumping to shield the Rabbi. The members of the community were applauded for their strength in protecting each other and acting swiftly to minimize the damage. The 19-year-old suspect, John T. Earnest of San Diego, is in custody.
Edelman’s father is Jewish and the football star has also shown his support for the Jewish community in the past. Following the shooting attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which occurred exactly six months before Saturday’s attack, Edelman had tweeted his sorrow. Edelman also paid tribute to the 11 victims by wearing an Israeli baseball cap at a game. In his post-game interview he said, “You know, it’s just to let the people out in Pittsburgh know that I’m thinking about them, sending vibes. They’re in our prayers,” Edelman had told the press in early November. “That was a big hit to our community and it’s uncalled for. So, I just let them know I’m behind you, I’m supporting.”
Edelman, 32, has been with the Patriots since 2009. This year, he was named Super Bowl MVP following the team’s victory at Super Bowl LIII, in which he had 10 catches for 141 yards receiving, more than half of his team’s total receiving yardage. He holds the Super Bowl records for both career punt returns (8), and first-half receptions in a single game (7).