It has been quite a week for Israel. As a nation, they saw tremendous “victories” in the elimination of arch-terrorist and a glimpse of the IDF “taking care of business.”

Add to the celebration a couple of victorious warriors in the Olympics! Without doubt, Israelis know how to fight, and two judokas proved that to be true on the Olympic stage in Paris. In the women’s 78kg category, Inbar Lanir brought home the silver against an Italian opponent.

I can say that since the start of the war the most important thing for me was to train as hard as I could and come here to the Olympic Games in Paris to represent my country and see the flag raised.
~Israeli Silver Medalist, Inbar Lanir (Jerusalem Post, 8/1/2024)

Following Lanir’s triumph, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said:

What an incredible accomplishment winning a silver medal, it’s incredible. Today is the 300th day since October 7 and the country is in a tough situation but you have given us light in the darkness and a wonderful moment. We are so excited for you.

Meanwhile, Peter Paltchik took a more difficult path in capturing the bronze in the men’s 100kg category. He won bouts in the rounds of 32 and 16, but fell in the quarterfinals, requiring him to fight back through Repechage. He made it back to the bronze medal match and survived a series of yellow cards before claiming victory.

I can’t describe in words the feelings that I’m going through right now, Nothing ever comes easy for me. The time we’re going through in the country, the war, the injuries, the people we won’t see anymore. I just wanted to make everyone happy. My family, who sacrifices so much. I dedicate this to my entire family; I want them to have a hero who fought for everyone. This is for Omer, Oren’s son who was killed in battle.
~Israeli Bronze Medalist, Peter Paltchik (Jerusalem Post, 8/1/2024)

What may seem insignificant victories are overwhelmingly significant for Israelis. Here is what Peter Paltchik’s coach, Oren Smadja stated following the bronze medal win:

We had a very difficult day. We knew we were coming here with our backs against the wall, but each bout raised his confidence. This was huge. I came here with a lot of emotions, and this is a moment of joy alongside the personal grief of losing my son Omer. Our country is experiencing trauma and this is the best public relations there is, we made amazing history.

In the wokest of woke atmospheres at the Olympics, it is easy to dismiss the Olympic Games. However, when the focus moves from political correctness and overpaid professional athletes to stories of athletes who truly understand what it means to represent their countries, there are slight glimpses of redeeming qualities once again.

Israel has other medal hopes in remaining judo categories, rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming. Perhaps they will even surprise the world in other events as well!

Meanwhile, Israel faces impending attacks from Iran and all their proxies. Please pray “the Olympic factor” produces overwhelming victory for Israel…if not unexpected peace.