Patriots Visit The Kraft Family Sports Campus In Jerusalem

Patriots owner Robert Kraft attended a game at the Kraft Family Sports Complex in Jerusalem, and he was accompanied by a group of past and present Patriots players.

The Kraft Family Sports Campus was officially opened two years ago. There was an emotional ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Arazim Valley. It was led by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, and the Patriots owner was accompanied by 18 visiting Pro Football Hall of Famers and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“Thousands of years ago, Jewish pilgrims would pass through this very site on their way to the Temple,” said Director of the International Office of Jerusalem Partnerships Brachie Sprung. “Now this will once again be a point of pilgrimage for sports lovers and enthusiasts from around the world.”

“A gift like this is not just a donation, but an investment in our sport development here in Israel and the growth of our entire community,” said Uzi Dayan, the president of Mifaal Hapayis, which together with the Toto is a key partner in the project. “So from the bottom of our hearts, and in the name of all Israelis, thank you very much Mr. Kraft!”

The Patriots owner always emphasizes the connection between his success with the team and his love of Israel.

You can watch the video here.

“My late, darling wife Myra always used to tell me that until I start building football in Israel, I would not win anything with Patriots,” Kraft said. “That happened in late 1999, and we won our first Super Bowl in 2001. Now we have five championships, and I can’t ignore the connection between our continuing to support development in Israel and our great accomplishments.”

Kraft delivered an emotional opening speech.

“Shalom Chaverim. It is an honor to be here in Jerusalem, the holy city, the center of spirituality for all of the nation of Israel,” said Kraft. “When I reached the age of Bar Mitzva, I got a pair of Tefillin from my father, of blessed memory. Every morning I would put them on and say the Amida while facing the direction of Jerusalem and dreamed of the day when I could visit Jerusalem and pray at the Kotel.

“Today, I have the privilege and honor of standing here before you and I continue to thank God that I have the ability, with my family, to help in the building of Jerusalem, and with God’s help to continue to do so in the future.”