The Swiss fencing team turned its back on the winning Israeli team during the medal ceremony at the under-23 European Fencing Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, on Saturday night.
Israel’s under-23 team, made up of Alon Sarid, Fyodor Khoperski, Yonatan Messika, and Itamar Tavor, defeated Switzerland 45–34 to claim the gold medal. Switzerland secured silver, while Italy took bronze.
During the podium ceremony, as Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah, played, the Swiss fencers kept their backs turned to the Israeli team in alleged protest, rather than turn to the right, as was expected.
A representative of the Israel Fencing Association said in response: "Sport should bring people together, not divide them."
The association called Israel’s victory "an extraordinary achievement that highlights the ability, sportsmanship and determination of our athletes." The spokesperson congratulated coach Igor Ivanov for his "inspiring and professional leadership" and praised the team’s accomplishment as a "great source of Israeli pride."
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the Swiss team’s conduct, writing on X: “Shame on the Swiss team for their disrespectful behaviour. You don’t know how to lose and behaved in a manner which is an embarrassment to you and the country you’re supposed to represent.”
He congratulated Israel for winning the championship and the Italian team for their bronze-medal finish.
This was not the first time Israel’s fencing team has faced political protests. In May 2023, Iraq’s national fencing team withdrew from a match against Israel at the World Fencing Championship in Istanbul.
