Olympic Committee of Israel says team refuses to be cowed by threats against athletes

Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel

Israel's delegation with Israel's flag bearers Peter Paltchik (2R) and Andrea Murez (R) sails on a boat during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Damien Meyer/AFP)
Israel's delegation with Israel's flag bearers Peter Paltchik (2R) and Andrea Murez (R) sails on a boat during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 26, 2024. (Damien Meyer/AFP)

In response to reports yesterday about threats against several members of the Israeli delegation, the Olympic Committee of Israel says it will focus on sports and not hate at the Paris Olympics, and refuse to be cowed by any threats.

“Unfortunately, a wave of hate and threats is taking place against our athletes,” the OCI says in a statement to reporters, thanking Israeli and French authorities for “working tirelessly to ensure our safety.”

“Our response will be given on the sporting field, and the Israeli delegation will continue to represent Israeli and Olympic values with pride, dedication and fairness,” the statement adds.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said yesterday that France had opened an investigation into death threats against three Israeli athletes after threatening emails were sent to the Olympic delegation.

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