Anti-Israel Actions Tarnish Goals of Olympics

Every four years I surprise myself by how engaged I am with the Summer Olympics. While I don't plan to sit in front of the TV watching the swimming, volleyball, gymnastics or track and field events, that is exactly where I wind up. Together with my family, I'm passionately cheering on the American Olympic competitors, fascinated by the personal stories of many athletes from all countries, and embracing the principle goal of the Olympic Games -- to bring athletes from around the world together.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics are a feel good moment for everyone around the globe. The delegations proudly march into the stadium behind their nation's flag. The flame is displayed and we all understand the symbolism behind the intersecting rings of the Olympic emblem. Yes, we all know there are horrific conflicts in the world, but for these two weeks of Olympic competition we like to think that we can put these disputes behind us and enthusiastically embrace the core mission of the Olympics.

Unfortunately, a handful of athletes are tarnishing the goals of the Olympics with the dishonorable and reprehensible way they are treating members of the Israeli Olympic delegation. The tone was set before the opening ceremonies when Israeli athletes were blocked from boarding a stadium-bound bus packed with the Lebanon team. The Israeli sailing coach who first publicized the incident, posted, "How can it be that something like this occurs on the eve of the Olympic opening ceremony? Does this not directly oppose what the Olympics represent and stand for...I cannot begin to express my feelings, I'm in shock from the incident." This hostile act by the Lebanese caused their delegation head, Salim al-Haj Nakoula, to be reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee who said they would not accept any further instances like this.

However, further incidents have been occurring often at the Rio Olympics. There has been much animosity toward the Israel competitors and members of their delegation. Today, after losing to Israeli Or Sasson in a judo competition, Islam El Shehaby of Egypt refused the traditional bow to his opponent and then declined a handshake when Sasson extended his hand. Not only was this a significant breach of judo etiquette, it was a disgusting display of a lack of sportsmanship. El Shehaby should be disciplined for this gesture.

Bruce Jenner and My Father-In-Law: Transition and Transformation

The summer of 1984 was my first exposure to the mega-international sporting event known as the Summer Olympic Games. At eight-years-old, it was the summer of American patriotic pride and athletic world domination for the United States. My favorite athlete that summer was Carl Lewis, but I also remember my parents pointing to the athlete in the tank top and long hair running with the Olympic torch and telling me about the great Bruce Jenner, who famously won the gold medal in the Decathlon event of the 1976 Summer Olympics eight years earlier. Of course I was already familiar with Bruce Jenner because I was an avid player of the Apple II computer game, Olympic Decathlon, in which Jenner was a character.

To say 2015 was a year of transition and transformation for Bruce Jenner would be quite the understatement. The famous Olympic athlete who became a reality TV star seemed to transition from male to female in front of us all. The legendary American male athlete Bruce Jenner will be known to my children's generation only as the woman Caitlyn Jenner. With the popularity of such TV shows as Amazon's Transparent, transsexuals are becoming more accepted in our society. Jenner's decision to begin transitioning to a woman must have been extremely difficult and, while her transformation was extreme, she still serves as a wonderful example for us all during the upcoming Days of Awe, a time of transformation.

London Olympics, Munich 11 and Tisha B'Av

This Saturday night begins the sundown to sundown Tisha B'Av fast. It is a longstanding tradition marked by a day of communal mourning and reflection.

I wasn't around 2,000 years ago when my people's Temple was destroyed and thousands perished.

But, I am around today and that is why I will take the time to honor those who lost their lives in that tragedy.

Today begins the Summer Olympics in London. It is a longstanding tradition marked by 17 days of athletic competition among nations.

I wasn't around 40 years ago when 11 Israeli men lost their lives at the Summer Olympics in Munich.

But, I am around today and that is why I will take the time to honor those who lost their lives in that tragedy.


Shame on the International Olympic Committee for not recognizing the importance of memorializing this tragedy. Please take a minute today during the Opening Ceremonies to remember The Munich 11.