March of the Living, Maccabiah launch ‘Olympic’ antisemitism campaign

A day ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the March of the Living, Maccabi World Union and the Maccabiah launch a campaign to combat the global rise in antisemitism, with the participation of Olympic medal winners.

The campaign is branded with the slogan “Athletes say no to antisemitism,” and features Israeli judo silver medal winner Yael Arad — who won Israel’s first ever Olympic medal in 1992 — and bronze medal winner and judoka Arik Ze’evi.

“To participate in the Olympics is an unparalleled personal high for every athlete, but also a collective high for the whole world, for all of us, as one global society — a society which knows how to unite around a common denominator that celebrates sport,” says Arad.

“We know how to overcome preconceived opinions, hatred and racism, and the Olympics is an important lesson in the way we must live even after the Olympics, with respect and tolerance.”