The 2024 Paris Olympics will be a historic challenge even among the long history of international competitions, with initiatives such as cleaning up the Seine River, introducing AI, and achieving gender equality among athletes for the first time in a competition.
Israeli leaders have spoken out about international friendship at a time of global turmoil, including ongoing attacks on Palestine by Israeli forces. Athletes from both Israel and Palestinian nations will compete in Paris under the scrutiny of activists from around the world.
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Following a parade by each country’s athletes and several performances, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach opened the Games by saying, “Let us celebrate the Olympic spirit of our unique humanity, united in diversity and living in peace.”
One thing is certain: supporters from around the world will be watching athletes representing the war-torn region, and the opening ceremony added a tense touch to Israel’s welcome.
Historic arrival of Palestinian delegation
The Palestinian delegation was accepted as part of the IOC in 1995 and made its debut in 1996, sending eight athletes to the 2024 Paris Games. The athletes will compete in athletics, boxing, swimming, judo, taekwondo and shooting.
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Upon arriving in Paris on Thursday, July 25, the team met with a large crowd of supporters, many of whom called on international organizations in attendance to recognize the Palestinian state and its athletes. “I’m here to raise the flag because France does not recognize Palestine as a state,” said Palestinian swimmer Yazan Al Bawwab. Associated Press“We aren’t treated like humans, so playing sports makes people realize we are their equals.”
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The next day, the group floated down the Seine carrying the now-iconic red, green, and black flag and the traditional keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian resistance. Many were dressed in embroidered Palestinian costumes. Flag-bearer Waseem Abu Sal, Palestine’s first Olympic boxer, wore a white shirt emblazoned with a plane dropping bullets on a child playing soccer innocently under a sunny sky. Valerie Tarazi, Palestine’s second flag-bearer and Olympic swimmer, wore an outfit that represented a Gaza family.
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Fans and activists protest Israel’s presence
Meanwhile, the Israeli Olympic delegation was booed by spectators in Paris as they stole the show at the Olympic parade.
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Protesters unfurled banners and posters across the city calling for Israel to be barred from the Olympics, including one depicting an Olympic podium covered in blood and bombs and an Israeli flag with the words “There is no competition in killing people as a sport.”
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The participation of Israeli athletes has led many activists to call for a boycott of the 33rd Olympic Games, and there is also precedent for the IOC taking action to reprimand countries for their actions: Russia, whose national team was banned from competing in the 2024 Olympics, is under investigation for publicly taking pro-military stances following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Credit: Pool / Getty Images Sport via Getty
