Iran Taking Lead in Antisemitism at Paris Olympics

The Olympics should be a global celebration of athleticism, setting aside politics and conflicts to bring the world together.

However, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have become a platform for antisemitism, particularly by the Iranian regime, to target Israel.

During a men’s soccer match between Israel and Paraguay, protestors chanted “Heil Hitler”, performed Nazi salutes, and displayed a sign reading “Genocide Olympics.”

A similar incident happened during Israel’s match against Mali.

Israel’s National Cyber Directorate uncovered that Iranian hackers created fake social media accounts to share personal information about Israeli Olympic delegates and send threatening messages.

In response, Iran’s foreign ministry criticized France for providing extra security to Israeli athletes, accusing it of legitimizing “child killers.”

“They do not deserve to be at the Paris Olympics due to the war against the innocent people of Gaza,” declared the state agency on X.

Despite its oppression of women, violence against dissidents, support for terrorist groups, and other actions, Iran has not faced calls for a ban from the Olympics.

In contrast, Israel has often been targeted with calls for boycotts, especially after the Israel-Hamas conflict.

These events are reminiscent of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli competitors and coaches.

In Paris, 15 out of 88 Israeli team members have received threats of a repeat of the Munich attack.

Iranian policy prohibits its athletes from competing against or showing kindness to Israeli athletes.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated in 2021 that Iranian athletes should not engage with Israeli representatives to win medals.

To avoid this, Iranian athletes are expected to lose deliberately or withdraw from competitions against Israelis.

The Iranian regime harshly punishes athletes who defy its rules.

For example, Iranian weightlifter Mostafa Rojaei was banned for life for shaking hands with an Israeli competitor.

Iranian athletes often seek asylum in other countries due to the severe consequences of disobeying the regime.

As an Iranian Jew who survived an attack orchestrated by Tehran, I understand the lengths Iran will go to spread terror.

Athletes like judoka Saeid Mollaei, who refused to return to Iran, and water polo player Amir Dehdari, who faced repercussions for not meeting with Khamenei, have sought asylum in other countries.

The regime’s brutal treatment of athletes who defy its restrictions speaks volumes about its oppressive nature.

It is important to differentiate between the people of Iran, who are oppressed, and the regime that is responsible for their suffering and promotes antisemitism.

Let’s support the courage of Iranian dissidents and protesters, including their brave athletes.

Natalie Sanandaji is a survivor of the Oct. 7 Nova music festival massacre and a public-affairs officer with the Combat Antisemitism Movement.