Yael Arad, president of the Israeli National Olympic Committee, stated that the country’s Olympic athletes have been subjected to “centralized” threats aimed at creating “psychological terror” at the Paris Olympics.
“Being an Israeli athlete on the global stage is challenging these days,” Arad remarked, emphasizing that the Olympics represent “a bridge between people, countries, and religions. We are here to compete.”
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Tom Reuveny, the 24-year-old Israeli gold medalist in windsurfing, has addressed some of the threats facing him and his teammates. Reuveny’s victory marked Israel’s only gold medal thus far, contributing to a total of six medals for the nation.
“Politics should have no place in sports, particularly during the Olympic Games,” Reuveny stated. “Unfortunately, external politics intrude — there are individuals who wish for us not to compete and would rather we were not here. I’ve received a number of messages and threats.”
Tom Reuveny of Team Israel celebrates winning the gold medal in the Men’s Windsurf final at the medal ceremony. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Israeli athletes have faced threats during the Olympics since the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics. That year, members of the terrorist group Black September attempted to take Israeli athletes hostage, resulting in the deaths of six coaches, five athletes, a West German policeman, and five terrorists.
This year’s Israeli Olympic team competes amidst the turmoil of its ongoing conflict with Hamas and Gaza.
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The Israel Defense Forces reported Tuesday that they executed an airstrike in southern Lebanon, reportedly eliminating four Hezbollah operatives. The targeted strike took place in the Nabatieh area, where IDF jets hit a building utilized by Hezbollah.
Team Israel flagbearers Andrea Murez and Peter Paltchik seen with their teammates during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Following the assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders recent to last week, on Monday, Iran echoed security concerns, claiming that regional stability could only be achieved through “punishing” Israel for the purported assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
The White House disclosed last Thursday new defensive military deployments to support Israel against potential threats from Iran and its affiliates.
Athletes of Israel appreciate the Eiffel Tower while sailing during the floating parade on the River Seine during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. (Nir Elias – Pool/Getty Images)
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Palestinian athletes have also participated in the Paris Olympics. Valerie Tarazi, a 24-year-old Palestinian-American swimmer, is competing for Palestine in the women’s 200-meter individual medley and highlighted the significance of representing Palestine amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
She also served as Palestine’s flag-bearer during the opening ceremony.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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