Former Kansas City Chiefs teammates and NFL greats, Nick Lowery and Tony Richardson, recently embarked on a poignant journey to Israel with Athletes for Israel. Their mission: to advocate for the release of hostages held by Hamas, including Israeli and American citizens. This trip, occurring just weeks before a diplomatic breakthrough secured the release of three hostages and the promise of more, highlights the enduring impact these athletes strive to make off the field.

For Lowery, the Chiefs' all-time leading scorer and a Hall of Famer, his current focus transcends his illustrious football career. He emphasizes the importance of community contribution and legacy, dedicating his time to combating antisemitism and racism, and advocating for hostages like 20-year-old Naama Levy.

Levy, a surveillance soldier, was captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, from the Nahal Oz base. Disturbing footage of her abduction circulated, prompting Lowery to join the #SportSpeaksUp campaign, an initiative leveraging the power of sports to fight prejudice and intolerance. The campaign, supported by Athletes for Israel, aims to bring awareness and amplify the voices of those silenced by captivity.

During their visit, Lowery and Richardson met with prominent Israeli figures, including President Isaac Herzog and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana. They also connected with IDF soldiers and visited the Nova music festival massacre site, a sobering reminder of the human cost of conflict. Lowery described the experience as "overwhelming," deeply moved by the tributes to the victims.

A particularly impactful moment was their visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where a symbolic dinner table with 200 place settings honors each hostage. There, they met with Levy's family, hearing stories of her vibrant spirit, her aspirations for peace, and her unwavering strength. Lowery was deeply touched by her story and her family’s resilience.

Naama Levy, a diplomacy major in high school, dedicated herself to volunteering at a kindergarten for African refugees. Her brother, Amit, shared stories of her idealism and participation in peace initiatives, highlighting her deep-seated belief in a better world. He recounted her love for triathlons, a passion shared with her father and grandfather. The family clings to hope, drawing strength from Levy’s resilience and the belief in her determination to survive.

Lowery's trip also included a visit to Majdal Shams, a Druze town grieving the loss of 12 children and teenagers killed in a Hezbollah rocket attack. He offered comfort to a young boy grappling with survivor’s guilt, a testament to the emotional toll of the conflict.

Reflecting on his experiences, Lowery was struck by the resilience of the Israelis, their refusal to let darkness extinguish their spirit. He connected his advocacy work to his family history, citing his grandmother’s documentation of atrocities at Dachau. His commitment to bridging divides and standing up for those in need underscores the profound human impact of this journey.