Israeli Judokas Shine Amidst Gaza Conflict at Paris Olympics

Israeli judokas brought joy to their fans at the Paris Olympics, winning silver and bronze medals despite the Gaza conflict. Inbar Lanir and Peter Paltchik were among the medalists, providing a much-needed respite from the ongoing tensions. The event highlighted the athletes' dedication and the emotional backdrop of the war.

Israeli judokas brought smiles to hundreds of cheering and flag-waving fans at the Paris Olympics on Thursday by winning the country's first medals, overcoming controversies, threats, and the shadow of war.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 39,400 Palestinians following Israel's offensive against Hamas, has cast a spotlight on the Israeli delegation at Paris 2024. However, the judo tatami provided a brief moment of relief as Inbar Lanir, the 2023 world champion in the under 78kg category, and Games flag bearer Peter Paltchik, competing in the men's under 100kg, secured silver and bronze medals respectively.

The Arena Champs de Mars echoed with the enthusiastic support of Israeli fans waving flags and cheering for their heroes. Some donned yellow T-shirts, symbolizing support for about 120 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Lanir, who lost to Italian Alice Bellandi, expressed her gratitude, saying, 'I could hear the audience, the Israeli audience throughout the day. This country is the most important thing in my heart. I hope I made them a little happier today.'

For Ukrainian-born Paltchik, the bronze medal held even deeper significance amid allegations that he had 'signed bombs' intended for Gaza, which the Israeli Olympic Committee denied as a 'smear campaign.' Paltchik, who had reshared an image supporting victims and their families, chose not to address the controversy, stating, 'I want to respect the podium, the Olympics values. My heart goes out to all hostages and everyone involved.'

Adding a layer of poignancy, Paltchik's coach, Shay-Oren Smadja, who won bronze in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, faced personal tragedy with the loss of his son, Omer, in Gaza last June. 'It was very important for me to be here, to bring the spirit to the athletes. We worked every day for four years for this moment,' Smadja remarked. 'We are proud of our country and want to win the war because what happened on Oct. 7 is very sad. I think the world doesn't understand it.'

(With inputs from agencies.)