The Swiss team exercised non-violent protest and free speech, as is their right. My opinion is that those young men shouldn’t have even been put in that position had israel been rightly banned along with the Russians and Belarusians.
At the European Fencing Championship (U23), during the medal ceremony where the Israeli team won gold, the Swiss silver medalists turned their backs to the Israeli flag. This action sparked significant controversy, with Israeli officials calling it “disrespectful” and emphasizing that sports should unite rather than divide.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, called the act “shameful behavior by the Swiss team.” Following diplomatic intervention by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swiss team issued an apology.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the Olympics (1968)
I think when the history books are written these Swiss lads will be hailed for their quiet protest, which has actually been blown-up by the israelis. There was no reporting of the incident in either the Swiss or International press.
And incidentally slammer, the young don’t need lessons on decorum from old farts like us, their “moral compasses” are operating perfectly fine.
Well, it is my personal opinion. What Smith and Carlos did back on ‚69 wasn’tright, that fencer who took a knee so as not to compete with a trans athlete was wrong. There is a long list of politics in sport but that doesn’t make it right.
Politics and sport have always been mixed. I’m enjoying watching the snooker at the moment with Chinese and Iranian participants. Sport helps build bridges. Sport is also a valid place to protest.
Perhaps, but people want to watch the sport, want to enjoy the sport and not have some “message” rammed down their throats.
Or. imagine being an athlete at the top of your game, about to get your gold medal and some bugger ruins the moment by displaying a “Israel is innocent” flag… Or holding up a sign saying: “Putin did nothing wrong”
People also pay for sports, for sport and not some political crud.
But I agree this is an interesting topic.
As much as I dislike it Sports and Politics go hand in hand. The rivalry between nations be it hockey, football , tennis, golf, and hundreds of others exist and in fact is nurtured.
And I agree until the Israelis end their actions against Palestinians they should be banned from international sporting events.
And I am proud of the Swiss for disrespecting the Israeli flag and anthem. I think it’s a pity that someone thought an apology was necessary. I don’t see the Israelis apologising to the Palestinians.
In my opinion, the Swiss team did the right thing by turning their backs during the Israeli national anthem. It’s worth noting that they were cordial and respectful towards the Israeli team after the match, shaking hands and showing good sportsmanship
However, when it came to the national anthem, they likely intended to make a political statement by turning their backs. The Israeli anthem represents a regime that has enacted some of the worst apartheid policies, has committed genocide in Gaza, and has been widely criticized for its treatment of the indigenous Palestinian population in the West Bank.
So this wasn’t about the Jewish athletes as individuals; it was a symbolic rejection of what Israel’s government stands for.
It’s also interesting to point out that at least two of the Israeli team members are ethnic Russians, who would have likely been part of the Russian team if it weren’t for the ban.
I find it ironic that the Israeli foreign minister praised the Italian team while condemning the Swiss team. What’s even more intriguing is that the Italian fencers have reportedly defended the actions of their Swiss counterparts. I wonder how the minister will react to this news.
Furthermore, I have to question why Israel is allowed to compete in a European championship. Is Israel considered a European country? Do other Asian teams participate in these championships? It seems to me that Israel’s participation in European competitions is a bit of an anomaly. If they’re considered part of the Middle East, then perhaps they shouldn’t be competing in European events.
Personally, I think it would be more fitting to see teams like Australia, New Zealand, and Americas participate in European championships, as they represent European values and have historical ties to the continent, despite being geographically distant. The fact that Israel receives favorable treatment in Europe further reinforces the perception that they are viewed as a European colonialist power in the Middle East.
I can’t say I’ve seen much fencing on TV myself.
Mind you if they can broadcast hours and hours of snooker which has to be one of the most boring sports ever why not fencing as well.
But they were competing as the Swiss team they represent Switzerland though correct ? So they aren’t turning their backs as individuals, they are turning their backs as Switzerland.
I thought we had this neutrality thing with Switzerland ? Or now we’re neutral except we hate Israel, because that’s ok ?
Did the Nazis represent European values?
Did the Stasi represent European values?
Did Mussolini represent European values?
Did the Romans represent European values when the conquered much of the continent?
Did the French represent European values when they overthrew the Monarchy and sliced off the heads of anyone they didn’t like?
, tennis, golf, and hundreds of others exist and in fact is nurtured.