Outdated Photo of Israel’s Artistic Swimming Team Resurfaces Related to the 2024 Olympics
The Claim
The Israeli Olympic team is NOT allowed to wear their #BringThemHome pins at the #PARIS2024Games. But that sure didn't stop Israel’s swimmers from forming words and symbols like these during practice.
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Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating an image claiming to show Israeli swimmers forming the phrase 'Bring Them Home Now' during their training for the Paris Olympics 2024, as the Israeli Olympic team is not permitted to wear their “Bring Them Home” pins at the games.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be misleading.
Old Photo of Israel’s Artistic Swimming Team at Wingate Institute
Misbar's team found that the image predates the Paris Olympics 2024, originating from November 2023, when Israel's artistic swimming team was captured at the national pool in the Wingate Institute.
The team posted two photos on its Instagram account in which the swimmers form the message, 'Bring them home now!'
Tensions Surround Israel’s Opening Match Against Mali at the Paris Olympics 2024
Before the start of their opening Olympic match against Mali at Paris' Parc des Princes on Wednesday, Israel's national anthem was met with loud jeers. The game commenced with a significant security presence outside the stadium, reflecting heightened safety concerns in the current international climate.
The Israeli team arrived under heavy police protection, with motorbike escorts leading the way and several riot police vans trailing behind. Armed officers were stationed around the Parc des Princes stadium, although the atmosphere outside remained relatively calm.
Mali fans proudly sang their anthem when it played first, but as soon as Israel's anthem began, boos and whistles erupted from the crowd. In response, the stadium's speaker system increased the volume of the anthems, seemingly to drown out the negative reactions.
Once the match started, Israeli players faced boos every time they touched the ball, and security officials had to step in during a heated exchange among some fans. Additionally, several supporters in the Mali section were seen waving Palestinian flags.
Israel’s Olympic Team Arrives in Paris Amid Security and Political Tensions
On Monday, Israel’s Olympic delegation departed for Paris, as confirmed by AFP journalists. The team consists of 88 athletes competing in an atmosphere marked by heightened security and geopolitical tensions related to the ongoing war in Gaza. French organizers have intensified security measures in Paris, and the Israeli delegation will be subject to strict protocols.
Pro-Palestinian activists and organizations in France and the U.S., including Palestinian sports clubs and the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to restrict Israel’s participation in the 2024 Summer Games due to the war in Gaza.
In March, Pierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, head of the IOC coordination committee for Paris 2024, stated that it was "out of the question to imagine" imposing sanctions on Israel over its actions in Gaza, contrasting the situation with that of Russia, which faced penalties due to its invasion of Ukraine.
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