Mazal Tov to the Israeli Olympic Team

I don’t normally spend much time watching sports, but I was inspired recently by the bravery of the Israeli Olympic team for standing strong against a sea of international hatred and still performing at a high level.

First, no Israelis were hurt, which alone is sadly an achievement.

Second, Israel took home a gold, 5 silvers, and a bronze, outperforming many larger nations.

Much like the score of the war in Gaza, Palestinians earned 0 medals.

Jordan got a silver though, and since most Palestinians should be considered Jordanians and their flag is pretty much identical, that kind of counts.

Some of the highlights:

Tom Reuveny wins gold for wind surfing.

After winning, Tom said, “I really remember myself, just before the deciding final race, I thought about the whole State of Israel, I knew that the gold would not just be for me,” he said. “There are so many soldiers who have been called together to protect us, and thanks to them I am here right now.”

Israel’s Tom Reuveny celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s IQFoil windsurfing final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, at the Roucas-Blanc Marina in Marseille, August 3, 2024. (Christophe SIMON / AFP)

Team Israel poses for a photograph after winning the silver medal in the group all-around rhythmic gymnastics at La Chapelle Arena during the 2024 Summer Olympics, August 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP/Dar Yasin)

Israeli athletes were not allowed to wear gold ribbons paying homage to the hostages being held in Gaza and got creative.

Jewish American wrestler Amit Elor also took home the gold and made a touching tribute to show solidarity with the the hostages in Gaza, who I might add come from 25 different countries, including America.

Gold medalist Amit Elor stands on the podium during the wrestling women's freestyle 68kg medal ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, Aug. 6, 2024. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The win makes Elor, 20, the all-time youngest U.S. gold medalist in wrestling.

Elor said in a recent interview, “I just can’t believe all the love I’ve received from Israel.” I’ve always felt that to be a huge part of my identity, but especially after the tragedies on October 7th. … I feel the need to represent and support more than ever right now with everything that’s been happening. I really hope that I can bring even just an ounce of joy to the people right now. And I hope that I made you all very proud tonight.”

Amit knew advocating publicly for Israel would bring her headaches, but did it anyways. She is a hero to diaspora Jews, including me, for having moral clarity at a time most of the world has none.

With so much darkness, let’s take a minute to celebrate something positive, these amazing athletes who represented our countries proudly and professionally.

While we’re on the topic of sports and Jewish athleticism, be sure to check out Jordan Berman’s recent interview, founder of Stars of the Tribe.

Sources

Israeli Medals https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/israeli-gold-medalist-says-win-was-possible-because-of-country-s-soldiers/ar-AA1oFOux

Jewish American Wrestler https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/sports/jewish-wrestler-amit-elor-wins-gold-for-us-in-paris-olympics-extending-5-year-undefeated-streak

The most diverse hostage situation ever? https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-10-25/more-than-half-of-hamas-hostages-have-foreign-nationality-israel

Most Palestinians are Jordanians https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/jordan-isnt-palestine-palestinians-are-jordanian/