Lions’ Alex Anzalone says his parents are ‘headed home safely’ after being stuck in Israel during Hamas attack

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone put together a solid 11-tackle performance in Sunday’s 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Throughout the week, though, Anzalone was thinking about his parents, who were stuck in Israel following the attack that took place on Saturday.

On Thursday, Anzalone revealed his parents are safely headed home following the ordeal.

“Thank you to everyone who has been saying prayers for my family and their safety,” Anzalone posted on social media. “It’s been a scary, anxiety filled several days but my parents are headed home safely. So many people to thank but I know this, God is good.”

Sal and Judy Anzalone were part of a group of 53 Americans that was stuck in Israel following the attack that took place in the country on Saturday.

The Anzalones arrived in Israel on Oct. 2 as part of a tour group that was set up through their church, the First Naples Church. The group was attempting to escape the volatile area as a war takes place between Israel and Hamas. Hamas is a Palestinian militant group that orchestrated a surprise attack in the Gaza region on Saturday. There have been reportedly 1,000 people that have died as a result.

On Saturday, the church’s pastor, Alan Brumback, posted on the First Naples Church’s Facebook page about how the group was doing.

“We are doing good at our hotel in Jerusalem,” Brumback wrote. “Continue to pray for Israel and for this to be resolved as peacefully and quickly as possible.”

United States Congressman Byron Donalds, who represents Naples in his district, appeared on CNN to talk about the chaotic situation.

“I have 53 members of my constituency who are in Jerusalem right now,” Donalds said. “Obviously, they are panicked, trying to find their way to get back to America.

“… We need to provide every assistance possible to Israel to get Americans back,” Donalds continued. “And let me be very clear with Hamas — touch an Americans’ head and see what happens to you. That’s my position. That needs to be the position of the president of the United States right now.”

Anzalone shared a clip of Donalds’ interview on X and tagged President Joe Biden, pleading for assistance.