Vikings, Wilf Family Host Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S.

[Viktor]

“The Wilf family, of course, is deeply connected to Israel in numerous ways, particularly philanthropically with Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center),” Hunegs said. “That was very touching for the Ambassador to get a chance to talk to Mark and express his appreciation for what they do, and the Wilfs expressed their appreciation for the work of the Ambassador and Israel. That was an important, reciprocal moment.


“It was a powerfully poignant moment when the children of Holocaust survivors, who own a professional football team in Minnesota, could host the Ambassador of Israel, whose country is so completely embedded in Jewish history,” Hunegs said. “It’s as if all things came full-circle.”


Wilf also emphasized the impact of Ambassador Dermer’s visit not only on a professional level but on a personal level.


“Not only have we done business in Israel and continue to do so, but with our parents being Holocaust survivors and having a strong tie to Israel for decades, it was a nice full-circle experience, if you will, because of our love of this country and American football and the great values it represents,” Wilf said.


In addition to Wilf, Dermer was joined by Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Lester Bagley and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steve Poppen.


Ambassador Dermer also spent time with Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman, and he received a behind-the-scenes look at the Vikings Draft Room, locker room and Indoor Practice Facility, where the former quarterback even took the opportunity to throw a few passes.


“He still has a pretty good arm – he threw a nice spiral,” Wilf said.