While the Israeli delegation had yet another slow day at the Olympic Games in Paris, Amit Elor was busy on the wrestling mat as the American Jew born to Sabras is dreaming of winning gold for not only one but two nations.
Prior to the Games she spoke about the rising antisemitism around the globe and the situation in Israel to The Jewish News of Northern California, “I am very concerned about hostility Israeli athletes may receive this summer. Particularly after what happened in the 1972 Munich Olympics, the horrifying attack on October 7, the ongoing war in Israel, and the antisemitism rising all over the world. Israel means a lot to me. It’s my parents’ home and therefore it’s my home, too.”
Elor speaks to The Post
In July she spoke to The Jerusalem Post as well, “I was shocked by the October 7 brutal Hamas attack and deeply saddened and concerned about everything that followed. The enormous pain, suffering, and loss is unbearable. If my wrestling at the Olympics can bring even just a little joy in Israel, it will make all the hard work and sacrifices worth it and extra special. I am an American proudly wrestling for the US, but in my heart, I am also wrestling for Israel.”
Elor won her 1/8 matchup over Buse Tosun Cavusoglu from Turkey by a score of 10-0 and then disposed of Wiktoria Choluj from Poland 8-0 to move into the semifinals where she will face Sol Gum Pak from North Korea. The medal matchups will take place on Tuesday at the Champ-de-Mars Arena where the Israeli Judokas won three medals last week.
In Men’s Kite Dor Zarka dropped down to 13th place; ace overall after finishing his 5th race in 12th while on the women’s side Gal Zukerman moved up a place to 10th after finishing her 5th race in fifth place.
