NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal sent a heartfelt message to survivors of the October 7 attacks, telling victims and bereaved families: “I love you”.

The retired basketball star sent his words of comfort to Timberlane Camp in Toronto – a summer camp hosting young survivors of the Hamas attacks, and their beareaved families.

“Shalom,” he said. “I wanted to give you guys a shout out and let you know that I love you. To all the amazing children - I know you came from far, far away, hope you're having a good time. We love you so very much. Thank you for coming, and we'll talk again soon”.

Shaq also shared messages of support in Hebrew, telling the kids: “Shanah Tovah,” (albeit a few months early) “Baruch Hashem,” and “Shabbat Shalom” (admittedly on a Monday).

Creative Community for Peace, a charity which helped organise Israeli children’s inclusion in the camp, thanked Shaq for the message. “Thank you Shaq, for your words of comfort and for showing off your Hebrew,” they posted to social media.

Shaq, who played for the LA Lakers, may not be Jewish, but has a history of celebrating the faith. “I’m Muslim, I’m Jewish, I’m Buddhist, I’m everybody ‘cause I’m a people person,” he has said.

Israelis have praised Shaq as a “mensch” for showing his support, but the star has also been criticised by anti-Israeli voices. 

"Shaq would literally do anything for money,” one post said. Other commenters labelled him “Zionist Shaq” and said the star would “attach his brand to anything”.