The primary reason a contingent of current and former players for the New England Patriots are in Israel this week is to help celebrate Robert Kraft. The Patriots' owner received the Genesis Prize, often referred to as the “Jewish Nobel,” in Jerusalem on Thursday for his commitment to philanthropy and combating anti-semitism across the globe. During his acceptance speech, Kraft pledged $20 million to establish a foundation that aims to defeat anti-Semitism and protect general Israeli interests, including boycotts led by displaced Palestinians.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went so far as to say that “Israel does not have a more loyal friend than Robert Kraft,” according to the AP.

Despite their presence alongside Kraft, it's safe to say not every player on the trip to Israel agrees with the politics of the Patriots owner, whether domestic or abroad. As such, players like wide receiver Julian Edelman and cornerback Stephon Gilmore aren't just there in support of Kraft, but to further globalize the game they love. Case in point: This photo, provided by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, of the star pair coaching an Israeli youth football team.

Edelman, the MVP of Super Bowl LIII, had 10 catches and 141 yards in the Patriots’ 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He proved just as instrumental to New England’s success in the team’s previous postseason games, combining for 16 catches and 147 yards, including multiple key third-down conversions.

Gilmore signed a five-year, $65 million deal with New England in free agency in March of 2017. He's further established himself as arguably the best cornerback in football in the interim, last season being named First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career seven-year career.