As a tidal wave of antisemitism crashes over America, former MLB player Kevin Youkilis has emerged as an unwavering champion in the fight against hatred. His tireless efforts to bridge the gap between American Jews and Israelis have not gone unnoticed, with the Red Sox Foundation and the Ruderman Family Foundation recently honoring him for his dedication to the cause.

In the aftermath of Hamas’s brutal attacks on Israel in October, Youkilis leveraged his prestige as a former MLB star to speak out against the hatred directed towards the Jewish people. He has often called out antisemites on social media and rallyied his fellow Jewish MLB alumni to join the fray. In a viral campaign, 19 former players and coaches stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Youkilis, demanding that fans support Israel and denounce the venom spewed at the Jewish people.

A three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Youkilis enjoyed a remarkable 10-year career in professional baseball. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2001, Youkilis made his MLB debut in 2004 and quickly established himself as a key player for the team. Known for his exceptional batting eye, defensive prowess at first and third base, and intense playing style, Youkilis earned the nickname “The Greek God of Walks.”

Youkilis’s recognition comes at a time when the Jewish community in America is facing an unprecedented wave of bigotry and violence. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) a staggering 2031 antisemitic incidents occurred in just two months, marking a 337% increase from the previous year and the highest number since 1979.