Israeli Athletes Face Death Threats Ahead of Olympics

Israeli athletes preparing for the Paris Summer Olympics have received numerous death threats and hate messages, with 15 athletes specifically targeted via email, warning of violence reminiscent of the 1972 Munich attack. The threats, sent in poorly-written Hebrew, included a message that stated, 'Arrive in France, we'll kill you,' and referenced an intention to harm any Israeli presence at the Games. In response, the Israeli Olympic Committee has increased security measures, deploying Shin Bet agents for the largest security operation for Israeli athletes in Olympic history. Officials, including Yael Arad, chairwoman of the committee, emphasized that they were prepared for such trolling and that athletes had been trained on how to respond to threats. The committee maintains that they are committed to ensuring the athletes feel both safe and confident while competing. Amid these security concerns, the committee has communicated that all necessary precautions are in place and that they will not be intimidated by unsportsmanlike conduct.