BeamBlog

In the midst of the Paris Olympics 2024, there are two situations underway which have altered the lives of many people. One is the Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen Russian athletes not participate in the 2nd straight Olympics. On the other hand, is the Israel-Gaza war, which is currently the hottest topic in World Affairs. Against that backdrop, Israeli judoka coach Oren Smadja had a bittersweet moment alongside Peter Paltchik at this Olympics.

His pupil and European champion Peter Paltchik won the bronze medal bout in the +90kg category. After winning the medal, Paltchik went over to his coach, and both of them hugged while tears rolled down their eyes. The moment was a bittersweet moment as Oren Smadja’s son, Omer, died a little more than a month ago. This win was a tribute to Omer Smadja and was evident as the two continued to shed tears during the post-match interview.

Omer Smadja was a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. A little more than a month ago, while fighting in Gaza, he was killed in action. It was just a day after Oren Smadja celebrated his 54th birthday. But that did not stop him from continuing the tradition his father started by coaching his judo stars at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Oren Smadja did not want his son’s memories to stop him from guiding his pupil to his first individual Olympic medal. Rather, Paltchik dedicated the medal to his coach’s fallen son. In the midst of war, bringing their country some honor despite all the negative notions surrounding their country.

Peter Paltchik almost could not compete in Paris Olympics 2024

The negative public notion surrounding Israel is that many believe the country instigated the breakdown in peace. Protestors and the general public feel Israel is camouflaging its own mistakes. As they are trying to turn the narrative onto Hamas and the Arab countries surrounding it.

Therefore, when Peter Paltchik sent out a tweet suggesting that he is sending munitions in the direction of Hamas, he came under fire from an investigative news agency. The IOC was asked to check if Paltchik was inciting violence, especially when it has been reported that thousands of innocent civilians have died in this war. Since then, the tweet has disappeared from his account.

The IOC eventually allowed him to participate as it was clarified that he was not directing it at any particular country or people. At the end, it all worked out and Peter Paltchik was a part of the best judo result for Israel in their Olympics history.

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