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Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik earned a bronze medal in judo at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sharing an intensely emotional moment with his coach, Oren Smadja. The triumph was especially meaningful as Smadja had recently lost his son, Omer, in Gaza just a month prior, according to The Algemeiner. This poignant scene struck a chord across Israel, highlighting the connection between sports, personal sorrow, and national pride. The Israeli Judo team secured three medals out of six olympic medals won by Israel overall to date in the competition.
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A lion with huge heart
The 32-year-old Ukrainian-born Paltchik beat Daniel Eich of Switzerland in the men’s under 100-kg category and became highly emotional after the match, embracing his coach, Oren Smadja. Smadja's 25-year-old son, Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Omer Smadga, was killed by mortar fire while fighting in the Gaza Strip. Oren, who had celebrated his 54th birthday just a day before Omer's death was announced, made the decision to take part in the Olympics only weeks after the tragedy.
“The period we’re going through in the country, the war, the wounds, the people who we won’t see again — I just wanted to make everyone happy,” Paltchik is quoted as saying in The Times of Israel, adding, “I fought for everyone, for our flag, we worked so hard for this moment.”
“This is for Omer, after what he went through — I couldn’t give up for even one moment,” said Paltchik. Clearly moved by Palthcik’s victory and his emotional words, Smadja called Paltchik “a lion, what a huge heart.”
Yellow ribbon as a symbol
Inbar Lanir secured the silver medal in the women's under 78-kg category finals. The 24-year-old finished second to Alice Bellandi of Italy, marking Israel's second-ever Olympic silver medal.“I’m so, so happy right now. It’s a bit hard to be happy after losing in the final because I always want to beat everyone, but I’m really happy. The fact that I have the privilege to give a little happy news during this time is worth everything to me,” Lanir told Israel’s Sport5.
Competing in the finals Lanir wore a bright yellow hair tie, the same color as the ribbons symbolizing the call for the return of hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7 massacre in southern Israel. When asked if her yellow hair tie had any significance, Lanir stated, “Those who understand it, will understand. It’s to show that I’m thinking about them today too.”
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The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel's Raz Hershko won the silver medal after losing to Brazil's Beatriz Souza in the Olympic Judo heavyweight finals.
“Raz Hershko, you are an inspiration - we are all proud of you! A huge achievement for Israeli judo - 3 medals at the Paris Olympic Games. Great job to the amazing judoka Raz and the legendary coach Shani Hershko. Well done!” Israeli President Isaac Herzog posted on X.
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These victories have done more than just add medals to Israel's tally; they have lifted the nation's spirits and showcased the resilience and strength of the human spirit. In moments of triumph, despite the shadows of loss and hardship, these athletes have embodied the power of perseverance, sportsmanship and unity.
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