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Julian Edelman Speaks With DeSean Jackson About Educating Each Other in Aftermath of Anti-Semitic Posts

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July 10, 2020
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

(JTA) — Julian Edelman, the Jewish wide receiver for the New England Patriots, has spoken with fellow NFLer DeSean Jackson following anti-Semitic social media posts by the Philadelphia Eagles player.

“DeSean and I spoke for awhile last night,” Edelman tweeted Friday. “We’re making plans to use our experiences to educate one another and grow together. Stay tuned.”

Meanwhile, according to reports, Jackson met with an anti-Semitism educational group on Thursday and was set to meet with 94-year-old Holocaust survivor on Friday.

Jackson had posted quotes attributed to Adolf Hitler on Instagram, including one accusing “white Jews” of having a “plan for world domination.” He also posted admiringly about the Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has compared Jews to termites and otherwise disparaged Jews. The Eagles wide receiver later removed and apologized for the posts.

On Thursday, Edelman had invited Jackson to tour the U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum with him and in turn tour the National Museum of African American History and Culture, both in Washington, D.C.

“I know he said some ugly things, but I do see an opportunity to have a conversation,” Edelman said in an Instagram video. “I am proud of my Jewish heritage. But for me it’s not just about religion. It’s about community and culture as well.”

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