Pod Save America Hosts Call on Democrats to Cut All Israel Military Aid, No Longer Accept AIPAC Funding
Jews, Israelis Targeted in Austria Amid Surge in Antisemitic Incidents; Local Jewish Community Calls for Action
‘All of Our Strength’: Over 1,000 Pro-Israel Activists Gather in DC for Solidarity Conference
‘Devastated’: Wesley LePatner, Killed in Manhattan Mass Shooting, Was a Jewish Communal, Philanthropic Leader
Sen. Angus King Vows to No Longer Vote for Israel Military Aid Until Gaza Conditions Improve
Europe Won’t Pressure Israel to ‘Commit Suicide’ Amid Gaza Backlash, Palestinian State Push, Says Israeli FM
Israel’s National Soccer Coach Attacked in Athens Before Soccer Fans Chant ‘F–K Israel, Free Palestine’ at Match
New York Judge Sentences Neo-Nazi to 5 Years for Livestreaming Bomb Threats Against Jewish Hospitals
US Pressures Lebanon to Issue Cabinet Decision to Disarm Hezbollah Before Talks Continue
UK Plans to Recognize Palestinian State in September Unless Israel Meets Conditions, Starmer Says
Egyptian Judoka Withdraws From Abu Dhabi Competition to Avoid Facing Israeli Opponent
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Israel’s Peter Paltchik celebrates after winning the -100kg bronze match against Canada’s Shady Elnahas at the Judo – Paris International Grand Slam – at Accor Arena, Paris, France, Feb. 5, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Egyptian judoka Karim Ibrahim pulled out of the 2024 Abu Dhabi World Championships Seniors in the United Arab Emirates last week due to his refusal to face an opponent from Israel.
Ibrahim 20, withdrew from the international competition after being drawn to compete against Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik in the individuals -100 kg category on Thursday.
The Egyptian athlete said that although he had hopes of winning “and achieving something in this tournament,” he has no regrets with his decision, which he first told his coach before announcing, Iran’s state-run Press TV reported. The judoka added that he was the youngest player in the tournament, and this was his first time competing in the World Judo Championships.
Many athletes from Muslim-majority countries have withdrawn from international competitions over the years after they were drawn to go head-to-head with an opponent from Israel, including Algeria, Iran, Syria, Tunisia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Sudan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
