(Courtesy of JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met last week with seven NFL players as they concluded a six-day whirlwind tour of the Jewish state and told them that they should use their influence to support Israel.

“All of you are gladiators and you have an enormous following. Now Israel is fighting in the arena, in the battle for truth. I think the most important part of your visit is that, having seen the truth, you can now fight for it,” said Netanyahu. The Jewish brothers Mitch Schwartz, of the Kansas City Chiefs, and former NFL player Geoff Schwartz presented Netanyahu with jerseys with his nickname “Bibi” on them.

The players also met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, and received briefings from Israeli leaders in technology, security, diplomacy and international aid. They also sought to encourage the growth of American-style football in Israel, signing autographs and meeting players and fans of the Israel Football League at Kraft Stadium.

The seven NFL players on the group were Josh Norman of the Washington Redskins, Chris Harris Jr. of the Denver Broncos, Vic Beasley of the Atlanta Falcons, Avery Williamson of the Tennessee Titans and Austin Seferian-Jenkins of the New York Jets.

Some of the players were joined by their spouses and other family on the trip, which was organized by America’s Voices in Israel, a nonprofit entity that provides high-profile Americans with the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand.