Max Steinberg, an American volunteer in the Israel Defense Forces, was killed two weeks ago during a battle in the Gaza Strip. After news coverage of his death featured a photo of Max wearing a Patriots hat, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft penned a personal letter to his family, stating "He represents the consummate patriot and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices he made to keep our beloved Israel safe."
The letter was first posted in a tweet by a reporter from the Jewish Journal, but it has since been removed, likely due to it containing personal information from the family. Below is a copy of the letter:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Steinberg,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you after having learned about your dear son and distinguished member of the Israel Defense Forces, Max. Although I didn't have the privilege of knowing your son Max personally, I have taken the liberty of reaching out to you since I noticed him wearing a New England Patriots cap in one of the broadcasted photos. He represents the consummate patriot and I am forever grateful for the sacrifices he made to keep our beloved Israel safe. His dedication and loyalty to Israel have not gone unnoticed and I am sure he has left behind a legacy of which you and your family can be proud.
On behalf of the entire New England Patriots team, please accept our most sincere condolences as we are all profoundly saddened by his untimely passing.
Sincerely,
Robert Kraft
We are all Patriots
With love of our tradition and the people of Eretz Israel.