Rise in antisemitism is security challenge for Israeli athletes, Israel committee says

A rise in antisemitic acts around the world during the Gaza war has set new security challenges for Israeli athletes ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Israel's Olympic Committee chief said.

Demonstrations — both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel — have been held in many countries since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 240 people hostage.

In response, Israel's military has devastated Hamas-controlled Gaza, killing more than 15,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Since then many countries have seen a spike in antisemitic acts, with Germany last month reporting a 240 per cent rise in the first week after the war began compared to the same period in 2022.

"The current wave of global antisemitism has created unique security requirements and challenges for our athletes as they gear up for the Olympics," said Yael Arad, Israel Olympic Committee President.

"Sadly, some of our athletes had faced obstacles with even participating in the competitions necessary for the Olympic criteria," she told Reuters in a written statement on Tuesday.

Israel's artistic swimming team earlier this month said it would not travel to competitions, including Olympic qualifiers in Qatar, due to safety fears.

Arad, Israel's first ever Olympic medalist, said none of the members of the Israeli Olympic team were active in any military activity.

"Our Olympic team members were not recruited (by the military), and are not involved in any combat or military activity. The Olympic team is wholly devoted to their training and solely focused on representing Israel at the Olympics," Arad said.

"The Israeli Olympic Committee, in close collaboration with various stakeholders both in Israel and in host countries, is