2024-07-20 08:08:29
The Olympic Games in Paris begin in a week. More than 80 athletes from Israel are taking part. But they are being threatened beforehand.
The Olympic Games in Paris will begin next Friday. Dozens of athletes from Israel will be there when the games are officially declared open. But before the start of the biggest highlight of the season, the athletes from Israel are being threatened.
Several emails and messages mentioned a “Jewish lobby” that “controlled” the French parliament. “If you are afraid of what happened in Munich in 1972, do not come to France. Be on your guard against attacks on airports, hotels and roads that belong to us,” Israeli media quoted from the emails. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the existence of the emails and informed the relevant security authorities.
At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Palestinian terrorists attacked the Israeli team and killed eleven members.
Miki Zohar, Israel’s Minister of Sports and Culture, spoke out in response to the threats. He said that they were in “constant contact” with the authorities. “In preparation for the competitions, all athletes are informed that they will receive everything from emails to phone calls and interruptions during training and competitions. These threats will not affect the training of the Israeli delegation, the games and the victories they will bring to Israel,” Zohar added.
A total of 88 athletes from Israel are in Paris. Three years ago in Tokyo, Israel won two gold and two bronze medals.
Gymnast Artem Dolgopyat and Linoy Ashram (rhythmic gymnastics) were the country’s two Olympic champions.