Antisemitic protestors chant 'Heil Hitler' during Israel-Paraguay soccer match at Paris Olympics
Protesters chanted “Heil Hitler” and waved Palestinian flags during Israel’s soccer match against Paraguay at the Paris Olympics. The Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation in response.
A group of antisemitic protesters chanted “Heil Hitler” from the stands during Israel’s men’s team soccer match against Paraguay at the Paris Olympics over the weekend. Along with the Nazi salute, the group waved Palestinian flags.
The protesters chanted other hateful rhetoric while booing the Israeli team as they rose for their national hymn at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night. Multiple audience members were seen raising large signs that read “Genocide Olympics.”
Protestors removed from stadium
The anti-Israel demonstrators were promptly removed from the stadium, and no further antisemitic incidences were reported. A Paris Olympic organizer commented, “Paris 2024 strongly condemns these acts. A complaint has been lodged by Paris 2024, which is at the disposal of the authorities to assist with the investigation.”
Protection for Israeli athletes amid threats
As antisemitic protests grow increasingly tense and violent worldwide, Israeli athletes have been under strong protection from police and Olympic officials due to safety concerns. Additionally, Israeli athletes competing in Paris are being escorted by elite tactical units and are under 24-hour protective surveillance.
Israeli athletes receive death threats
This year, 15 Israeli athletes received threatening messages from a group that describes themselves as "People’s Defense Organization." This letter announced that the “organization” intends to harm any Israeli presence at the Olympics.“The fate of the Zionists will be like the fate of the Palestinians in Gaza if the Zionists continue to threaten everyone,” the letter read. “Therefore, you’re not invited to Paris 2024. If you come, take into account that we intend to repeat the events of Munich 1972.”
