Bruce Pearl has never been one to stay silent, whether on or off the court.The legendary former Auburn University men's basketball coach has used his platform for more than sports, becoming one of the most outspoken voices against antisemitism and in support of Israel."Well, some people think it's political, but it's really not.
It's really survival.The Jewish people are kind of running out of places where we're welcome to live," Pearl, who now serves as the Chair of the U.S.
Israel Education Association, told Fox News Digital.For Pearl, who is Jewish, the issue is personal.He said that his concerns were rooted in lessons passed down through his family about what America represented for Jews fleeing persecution."This is the greatest country in the world.
And I'm an incredible patriot," he said."My grandfather made sure that I understood at a very young age that this country saved our family's life from the pogroms and the Holocaust, and I am grateful."Pearl acknowledged that antisemitism and racism remain challenges in American society, but said they should be viewed as obstacles rather than insurmountable barriers.FORMER AUBURN MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH BRUCE PEARL CALLS FOR ‘FREE IRAN,’ BACKS TRUMP AMID US-ISRAEL STRIKESFormer Auburn University Men's Basketball coach Bruce Pearl speaks at the 27th annual Manhattan Jewish Experience dinner, where he received the Champion of Israel award.
(Manhattan Jewish Experience)"I recognize that antisemitism, racism — being a basketball coach and 90% of my kids are African American — are obstacles, but not roadblocks," he said."We've been able to navigate."Following the Oct.
7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel, Pearl emerged as one of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in the sports world.While some athletes and coaches have faced criticism for weighing in on political and cultural issues, Pearl told Fox News Digital that he rejects the notion that public figures should avoid talking about politics."We live in an ama...