What It’s About
A French far-left MP, Thomas Portes, ignited controversy and backlash inside and outside the French Parliament by declaring that Israeli athletes should not be welcome at the Paris Olympic Games in light of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. These remarks were made during an anti-Israel rally over the weekend.
Why It Matters
Portes’s comments drew sharp criticism from Jewish organizations and political leaders, as they raised concerns about the safety of Israeli athletes at the upcoming Olympics. The statements were decried for their perceived antisemitism and linkage to a precarious historical context, recalling the tragic 1972 Munich Olympics where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian terrorists.
Context
During the rally, Portes vehemently condemned the prospective participation of the Israeli delegation in the Paris Olympics, calling for mobilization against their involvement.
“I am here to say that no, the Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris,” he declared, advocating that “Israeli athletes are not welcome at the Olympic Games in Paris.”
Responses
Jewish Community Reaction
Yonathan Arfi, President of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions, branded Portes’s statement as “irresponsible,” emphasizing the violent dangers seen in the past at the 1972 Munich Olympics when Israeli competitors were targeted and murdered by terrorists.
Arfi charged Portes with putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes, thereby endangering their participation in the Games.
Political Backlash
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin emphasized that hints of antisemitism were obvious in Portes’s remarks and committed to ensuring the utmost security for the Israeli delegation during the Games. This involves measures including continuous security coverage for the athletes.
French Socialist MP Jerome Guedj also criticized Portes, reaffirming that all athletes, Israeli included, are welcome at the Olympics on the merit of their sportsmanship.
LFI Counterpoints
Despite the overwhelming criticism, Portes doubled down on his stance, comparing Israel’s actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and urging for similar diplomatic pressure and exclusions. His stance was supported by some LFI colleagues, adding further divisiveness to the matter.
Security Measures
In light of the controversy, organizers have assured that “unprecedented” security steps will be taken, with 30,000 police and gendarmes to be deployed, along with thousands of private security agents and soldiers to ensure the safety of all attending, especially the Israeli athletes.
The involvement of Shin Bet security services from Israel will further fortify these efforts.
Upcoming Events
Israel’s soccer team is set to play its Olympic opener against Mali in Paris’ Parc des Princes stadium, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend a commemoration event for the Munich massacre victims and participate in the opening ceremony boat parade on the Seine.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.