A group of people with anti-Semitic views at the Paris Olympics were reportedly shouting “Heil Hitler” when Israel’s men’s soccer team was playing against Paraguay, New York Post claimed. This group also jeered at the Israeli national anthem in Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, Palestinian flags were flying as well and Nazi salutes were being performed. While holding up one that read “Genocide Olympics”.
However, authorities were notified about their actions of “spreading hate” hence they were evicted from the stadium.
“This evening during a men’s football match between Israel and Paraguay at the Parc des Princes on 27 July, there was a banner with a political message displayed and antisemitic gestures made,” said an organizer for the Paris Olympics. The organizers added that Paris 2024 had filed a complaint and was working with law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
This is not the first time such protests have occurred against Israeli footballers at the Olympics. Last week, during their confrontation with Mali, protesters waved Palestinian flags and interrupted national anthems.
Guy Luzon who is head coach of ISRAEL said in reaction to ongoing hostility towards his team that “Bring on the loudest protests. They will make us try harder.” Luzon explained that those demonstrations would do nothing but motivate his team to improve their performance on the field.
Tension surrounds Israeli athletes since three participants received death threats from France’s security forces. In fact, there are French tactical groups among others escorting Israeli athletes under protection measures around-the-clock. Besides Shin Bet internal security service of Israel which cooperates fully with French authorities on this matter. Shin Bet has also come forward to assist accordingly.
About 35 thousand officers are deployed daily by France in ensuring safety for all participants. While another additional 45 thousand have been detailed for opening ceremonies. Meanwhile over 2000 reinforcements dispatched by 40 nations continue to support the country.
On Thursday, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate reported Iran-linked hackers had created false social media accounts to share personal data about Israeli participants and threaten them. In response, Israel’s foreign minister briefed his French colleague on a possible plan by Iran targeting Israeli athletes and tourists. The Iranian mission at the United Nations has refuted this accusing “Terrorist acts have no place in the principles of resistance groups; lies and deceit cannot switch the roles of the plaintiff and the accused.”
This increased security follows historical tragedies like 1972 Munich Olympics. Where Palestinian terrorists killed eleven Israeli athletes and one German policeman.
