An Israeli athlete took the gold medal at the Abu Dhabi judo Grand Slam. Here’s how Abu Dhabi’s officials saw fit to award him:
Wow. Israeli wins gold in Judo in Abu Dhabi, which refuses to show Israeli flag or play its national anthem. So he sings it quietly himself. pic.twitter.com/EuJbcP4wTu
— (((Yair Rosenberg))) (@Yair_Rosenberg) October 26, 2017
You can hear the TV announcer pause awkwardly when he realizes they are refusing to play the Israeli national anthem. https://t.co/6x2GReLEQM
— (((Yair Rosenberg))) (@Yair_Rosenberg) October 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Yair_Rosenberg/status/923598046516129792
Gee, it really is a mystery.
More from the Jerusalem Post:
The organizers claimed that, due to security reasons, the Israelis can’t have their flag on their judo uniform and instead of having ISR (Israel) by their names on the scoreboard and on their backs, they would have to take part as representatives of the IJF. For the same reason, they explained that should an Israeli win a gold medal the national anthem, Hatikva, would not be played.
Right. “Security reasons.”
Isn’t Abu Dhabi supposed to be very progressive or what not?
— Benjamin The Hunted (@benjimorales33) October 26, 2017
So much for that.
https://twitter.com/LDoren/status/923602082640355328
Yes, please continue to tell me how Israel is the problem in the Mideast. https://t.co/O30gbbI8wV
— Drew McCoy (@_Drew_McCoy_) October 26, 2017
Why did the IJF award this event to Abu Dhabi under these circumstances? Absolutely disgraceful.
— Chris Smith #FBPE? (@ledredman) October 26, 2017
DIsgraceful that they don’t recognise Israel or play the national anthem
— Lord Knows (@PaulDesproperty) October 26, 2017
Absolutely shameful #disgrace
— Saff (@dlsaffer) October 26, 2017
How disgusting
— Ronnie RIP REGGIE ?? (@reg_ron1) October 26, 2017
That's fucked up.
— BJ (@beerjudge1320) October 26, 2017
Contrast the treatment of the athlete with his conduct in the face of such shameful bigotry.
https://twitter.com/Yair_Rosenberg/status/923601908861980674
Tal Flicker is the epitome of class and grace. He’s earned the title of champion.
Unbelievably dignified in a really horrible situation. https://t.co/2UJOZLndXt
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) October 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/923609635378081792
Respect to this man.
— c. ?? (@cshurshtopf) October 26, 2017
I've watched the video half a dozen times. Every time he starts singing the Hatikva I get chills.
— Lou (@hypocoristicon1) October 26, 2017
Wow. What a way to show strength.
— Debbie Harkness (@debbiedoone) October 26, 2017
?? so proud! ?? ????
— Sasha (@balletborn) October 26, 2017
So proud of our Israel!!
— Eli (@Elijudith) October 26, 2017
I'm so glad they went anyway and then kicked ASS!!!!
— CiCi Van Tine (@CiCiVanTine) October 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/bhaatkhaukibela/status/923601844181524480
Congratulations, my Israeli friend!
— Sasha (@balletborn) October 26, 2017
Israeli athletes showing such strength and honor, may God bless them and keep them safe.
— Lindy (@ljb48) October 26, 2017
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