Israeli athletes fear hostile reception.
Israel has announced a doubling of its security budget for the Paris Olympics as Israeli athletes fear a hostile reception. Members of the national team express concern about the isolation and security threats that await them.
This summer, Israel will compete in the Olympics for the 18th time, despite calls for its exclusion. In March, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reassured Israel of its status, saying there was no doubt about the participation of Israeli athletes. IOC President Thomas Bach also promised “special measures” to ensure the safety of Israeli competitors.
For this edition of the Games, Israel has significantly increased its security budget. Peter Paltchick, flag bearer and judo champion, expressed confidence in these additional measures, assuring that the Paris Games would be “safe and secure” for all Israeli athletes.
“We have a lot of people looking out for us and reassuring us,” Paltchick told Jewish Insider. “The staff is amazing and I think we have nothing to worry about. We’re all focused on being prepared.”
Security has been a major concern for Israel since the 1972 Munich Olympics, where eleven members of its delegation were killed in a terrorist attack by the Black September group. Eytan Ben David, a former head of the Shin Bet’s VIP protection unit, confirmed that Israeli athletes will enjoy maximum protection this year, similar to that provided to singer Eden Golan at Eurovision. and the competition. Being there and trying to win is the best way to represent my country.”
Israel will be represented in 16 disciplines at this summer’s Games, with 87 athletes competing in sports including archery, judo and surfing.
Jforum.fr
2024-07-13 03:13:53
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