Enes Kanter Freedom has never been shy about speaking his mind. The Turkish-born former NBA star who played at the University of Kentucky has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and extremely critical of the NBA and certain players for their partnership with China, among other places.
Kanter has called out the face of the league, superstar LeBron James personally, for turning a blind eye toward China’s alleged human rights abuses. He has also called out Nike, and his activism has likely been a large part of why he is no longer in the league.
In February of 2022, Kanter was traded from the Bosten Celtics to the Houston Rockets, who then promptly waived him. He hasn’t worked since. With the unprecedented attacks on Israel that took place on Saturday, Kanter is once again speaking out.
The Islamist Hamas movement took credit for the Saturday offensive, which killed at least 100 Israeli citizens and wounded countless others. Senior Hamas military commander Mohammad Deif announced the operation and called on Palestinians everywhere to attack Israelis. He said: “This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth.”
Hamas launched over 5,000 rockets in the surprise attack. In response, Kanter Freedom wrote: “I’ve been closely monitoring what’s going on in the Middle East. I’ve come across numerous messages, and I believe that it’s very important to address the situation in Israel with clarity. What is happening there is undeniably barbaric, acts of terrorism that cannot be softened with ‘buts’ or additional justifications.”
Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel Saturday as rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip area. Kanter Freedom continued: “The loss of innocent lives can never be justified by any means. It’s crucial to emphasize that these events have nothing to do with Islam. In fact, Islam teaches that taking the life of one innocent person is equal to killing entire humanity. We have to condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with the innocent people in Israel. Many of my Palestinian friends are not supporting Hamas, each act of Hamas terrorism; taking away hopes for peace in the region.”
It should be noted that Kanter Freedom is himself a Muslim but staunchly condemns the attacks and stands with the innocent victims of Israel. “Dead people being stripped and paraded about like trophies on trucks, elderly women being driven into Gaza as hostages and the 5,000 rockets raining upon innocent civilians in Israel. This is UNACCEPTABLE!!! As a Muslim, I strongly condemn the current attacks against [Israel]. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”
Meanwhile, Joe Biden spoke about the attacks, saying: “Terrorism is never justified. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My Administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”
It should be noted that Iran backs Hamas, and the Biden Administration recently released $6 billion in frozen funds back to the Iranian government under the guise that the money was only to be used for food, medicine, and other necessities, only to have Iran reply: “This money belongs to the Iranian people, the Iranian government, so the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide what to do with this money.”
Whether there is a connection is anyone’s guess, but what is clear is the Biden Administration is emboldening the Iranian Government. The attacks by the Iranian-backed Hamas group are unthinkable, and while the West’s response remains to be seen, high-profile figures like Enes Freedom Kanter are already speaking out, condemning the bloodshed.
Featured image screen grab from embedded YouTube video
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