The past months have been marked by deep uncertainty and pain in Israel and across the Middle East. The ongoing violent conflict has not only taken a heavy toll on countless families but also presents major challenges for the daily work of our colleagues at the Olympic Committee of Israel (NOC Israel) surrounding Yarden Har Lev. In these difficult times, the unifying power of sport gains even more importance.
As a European sports community, we are aware of the complex reality in the region. Our solidarity goes equally to those in Israel affected by terror and violence and to the Iranian and Palestinian democracy movement, whose members courageously fight for freedom and human rights under immense personal risk. We stand with all those who reject the terror of the Iranian regime and Hamas, and who strive for a peaceful, secure and democratic future for the entire region.
Against this backdrop, the Olympic Committee of Israel has impressively demonstrated that the Olympic spirit is not only visible on the sports field but also in daily life and social commitment. Since the beginning of 2025, numerous initiatives have been launched that promote social cohesion, equal opportunities and sustainability through sport, even under difficult conditions.
Olympic Education – Values Beyond Competition
The Olympic Committee of Israel continues to demonstrate how sport can inspire hope, unity and resilience – even in difficult times. With a wide range of initiatives, Israel’s Olympic community brings the values of excellence, respect, friendship and inclusion to all parts of society.
Beyond the Rings – Olympic Education Workshop for Young Athletes
With the workshop “Beyond the Rings”, the Olympic Committee of Israel offered young athletes the opportunity to engage with the deeper values of the Olympic Movement. The programme focused not only on athletic development but also on personal growth, integrity and responsible decision-making.
Through interactive stations and activities led by experienced athletes, participants explored core principles such as teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship. In addition, key topics like safeguarding, anti-doping, fair play, Olympic legacy and the prevention of manipulation in sport were addressed, highlighting the broader responsibilities of athletes within and beyond the field of play.
At the heart of this initiative lies the conviction that athletes are not only competitors, but role models and ambassadors for the values of the Olympic Movement and positive examples for society.
Opening Olympic Doors in Non-Jewish Communities
The Olympic Committee of Israel recently organised a large-scale Olympic talent identification day for around 1,500 schoolchildren from the Druze communities of Ein Qiniyye, Mas’ade, Majdal Shams and Buq’ata in the Golan Heights. The initiative reflects the Committee’s ambition to make pathways to elite sport accessible to all children in Israel, regardless of their background.
By actively engaging non-Jewish communities in talent development, the event promoted inclusion, excellence and equal opportunities. More than just a sports event, it sent a clear message about the unifying role of sport in Israeli society and marked an important step towards greater diversity and representation within Team Israel.
Special Olympic Days for Orphans and Refugees
The Olympic Committee of Israel organised two special Olympic Days for orphaned and refugee children, offering them an unforgettable experience rooted in the values of excellence, friendship and respect. Together with Olympic athletes, the children took part in hands-on sessions across a wide range of sports, including fencing, sailing, athletics, judo, skateboarding, taekwondo, cricket and gymnastics.
These events went far beyond sport, providing moments of inclusion, belonging and inspiration. The Olympic Committee of Israel also proudly supports athletes like Tachlowini Gabriyesos and Jamal Abdelmajid from the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, who embody the Olympic spirit as full and equal members of Israel’s sporting community.
Olympic and Paralympic Summit in Tel Aviv
For the first time, Olympic and Paralympic athletes from across Israel came together for a joint summit in Tel Aviv. The event, initiated and led by the NOC Athletes’ Commission, created space for exchange, dialogue and shared experiences beyond competition.
Athletes from different sports and disciplines participated in an Olympic Education Workshop focusing on the shared values of the Olympic Movement: excellence, respect and friendship. The summit strengthened connections within the athlete community and highlighted the unifying spirit that binds Olympic and Paralympic sports together.
Sustainability – Sport as a Catalyst for Environmental and Social Responsibility
The Olympic Committee of Israel continues to lead by example when it comes to combining sport, environmental awareness and social responsibility. With practical initiatives and forward-looking conferences, sport is used as a platform to promote sustainability, inclusion and solidarity.
Leading by Example – Olympians and Students Clean Up the Coast
In cooperation with EcoOcean, the Olympic Committee of Israel organised two Beach Cleanup Days in different regions of the country. Around 150 middle school students from Jewish and non-Jewish schools joined forces with Olympic athletes to collect waste and learn about marine conservation. The initiative combined environmental action with education, underlining the role of sport in promoting ecological responsibility and protecting marine ecosystems.
Sports and Sustainability – Shaping the Future
A groundbreaking conference on sports, sustainability and accessibility took place for the first time in Israel. Organised by the Olympic Committee of Israel in partnership with Reichman University and Access Israel, the event highlighted how sport can drive positive environmental and social change. Topics included sustainable sports facility management, socially responsible event organisation and the role of athletes in promoting environmental awareness. The NOC Israel also presented its new sustainability strategy at the event.
Being Israeli Means Giving – Athletes Support Families in Need
For the third consecutive year, the Olympic Committee of Israel partnered with LATET, Israel’s largest NGO fighting poverty, to support families in need. In March 2025, over 130 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and officials came together for a large-scale food packing drive, assembling and distributing more than 2,100 food packages. The initiative reflects the Olympic values of solidarity, respect and social responsibility and highlights the positive role of athletes within their communities.
Legacy – Remembering the Munich 1972 Victims
With the memorial event “We Are The 11”, the Olympic Committee of Israel, in partnership with the Tel Aviv Municipality, commemorated the 11 Israeli athletes and one German police officer who were murdered during the terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The ceremony, held at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, included a screening of the documentary “September 5” and brought together over 200 young athletes from local sports clubs. Family members of the victims, former Olympians and members of the original 1972 delegation were also present.
The event ensured that the memory of the Munich tragedy lives on and that its lessons are passed on to the next generation of athletes – as a reminder of the fundamental Olympic values of peace, safety and solidarity.
Looking Ahead – Commitment Beyond Competition
Looking to the future, NOC Israel remains committed to leveraging the power of sport to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable society. With the next Olympic milestones, such as Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028, already on the horizon, the foundations for long-term, value-driven development are being laid – athlete by athlete, school by school, community by community.
The European Olympic Academies (EOA) sincerely thank our Israeli colleagues for their tireless commitment to Olympic values under difficult conditions. Their work is a powerful reminder that, even in challenging times, sport can remain a source of hope, cohesion and positive change.
