Just four days before the grand opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the Israeli delegation took off for France after an emotional send-off at Ben Gurion Airport and a poignant press conference centered around the hostages. This year, the Israeli delegation features 88 athletes competing across 18 sports, making it the second-largest contingent after Tokyo's 90 representatives.
Judoka Peter Paltchik and swimmer Andi Murez have been honored with the role of flag bearers for the opening ceremony set for Friday. Notably, this delegation includes 18 players from the national soccer team, marking their first Olympic appearance since the Montreal Games in 1976.
Following the record-breaking achievements at the Tokyo Olympics –which saw Israel secure two gold medals (gymnasts Artem Dolgopyat and Linoy Ashram) and two bronze medals (the Judo team and Taekwondo fighter Avishag Semberg) – the Olympic Committee is hopeful for a repeat performance and perhaps even greater success.
The press conference kicked off with a heartfelt message from Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of Romi Gonen, who is held captive in Gaza. "You are heading toward a major event. I also know that the environment you are entering will not be a welcoming one. I want to extend my strength to Oren Smadga, whose son Omer Smadga fell in Gaza. An entire nation stands behind you. An entire nation travels with you to Paris, through failures and successes," she said.
Leshem Gonen continued: "The Israeli community is the strongest there is; each of us has a role. In the coming days, you will be tested as athletes and as human beings. Especially in these times, it is crucial for Israel to be present at the Olympics; it embodies the Israeli spirit. As Romi Gonen's mother, I ask two things of you: First, hold your heads high and show everyone that they don't stand a chance against us. Second, remember those who cannot speak – the murdered, the fallen, and the hostages. You strengthen the captives and the people of Israel. Every success of yours fortifies the hostages. There is no one more deserving than you. I hope Romi sees you and draws strength, that all the living hostages see you and gain strength."
Paris gets ready
Yael Arad, former Olympic judo silver medalist and chairperson of the Olympic Committee, added: "The true victory is that we are here despite everything. Medals will bring immense joy to the entire people of Israel. We are carrying the Israeli flag, which embodies all that is good in our country. We are taking all our strength with us; October 7 is in our hearts. We will do everything to bring joy to the people of Israel, and most importantly, to ensure the captives return home."