The Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship were absent Wednesday when Israel’s national soccer team faced Mali in their first match of the Paris Games. Fans showered Israeli players with boos and whistles during the pre-match national anthem, reflecting global tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian war in Gaza.
The stadium speakers grew louder during the anthem in an apparent effort to drown out the jeers, according to multiple reports.
The anti-Israel protests continued throughout the match. Israel’s players were met with thunderous boos whenever they controlled the ball. Demonstrators handed out stickers that read “Gaza: Silence kills,” while others sported “Free Palestine” shirts.
Despite widespread safety concerns, there were no reports of violence at the match. As Israeli President Isaac Herzog and his wife watched from the stands, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Reflecting major security concerns, a police escort surrounded Israel’s players as they traveled to the Parc des Princes stadium for the match. Several vans trailed behind the players while motorcycles led the way. Israel’s internal security service also supported more than the 1,000 French police officers who patrolled the match.
“We owe this security to the whole world,” said Gerald Darmanin, France’s interior minister. “The threats to our country are the threats that concern the Western world.”
The players on the pitch maintained a friendly demeanor before the match, in stark contrast to the booing fans. Players from both nations smiled for photos, held up their respective flags and shook hands.
The athletes focused on sports during their post-match press conferences. Journalists were urged not to ask about the protests or the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“We came here to win and achieve things with this team and are very excited,” Israeli midfielder Omri Gandelman told reporters. “We have a job to do.”
French authorities have ordered around-the-clock security details for Israel’s 88 athletes at this summer’s Games.
“With regard to the security of the Israeli athletes, we have full confidence in the French authorities,” IOC President Thomas Bach said at a press conference on Monday. “The French authorities are responsible for security. They are working very meticulously, working very professionally, working with 180 other international intelligence services, collecting all the information.”
The Israeli contingent brought their own additional security resources to Paris. That’s nothing new, Mr. Bach said.
Israel has taken additional measures at every Olympics since the 1972 Munich Massacre, where Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.
The Israeli soccer team is making its first Olympic appearance since 1976. The squad will face Paraguay on Saturday before ending group play against Japan on Tuesday.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.