Background:
On March 30, 2024, members of the Israeli national Olympic Judo team engaged in unacceptable behavior during a peaceful protest organized by “Omou Palestine”, "Sogakari Action Executive Commission" and "Palestinians of Japan". The protest aimed to condemn the ongoing genocide, blockade, and occupation of the Gaza Strip by Israel, and to call for an immediate end to these atrocities.
Witness testimonies and reports confirm that the Israeli judo players barged into the protest unprovoked and targeted peaceful protesters, including women and the elderly, by engaging in aggressive and intimidating behavior. They verbally harassed protesters in a language they could not understand, stole flyers, tore them down, spat at security staff, and intentionally provoked confrontations by threatening to engage in violence wearing judo uniforms while taking selfies with participants in the background.
All of this behavior was thoroughly documented in photo and video footage that can be submitted as evidence.
Despite efforts by organizers, security staff, and participants to diffuse the situation and ensure safety, the Israeli athletes persisted in their disruptive and aggressive conduct, escalating tensions and endangering the well-being of those present.
The following individuals involved have been identified:
National judo team coach Oren Smadga
Baruch Shmailov
Peter Paltchik
Tohar Butbul
Sagi Muki
Eran Fiks
Yehonatan (Yoni) Elbaz
Other members were present as well and can be seen in the footage, although their names are still unknown.
The actions of the Israeli athletes not only violate the principles of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship upheld by the Olympic movement but also contradict the spirit of judo, a sport founded on the principles of mutual respect and non-violence.
Furthermore, the ongoing disregard by the Israeli government for international laws and norms, as evidenced by the continued genocide in the Gaza Strip despite calls for a ceasefire by the International Court of Justice and the United Nations Security Council, reflects a systemic failure to adhere to basic principles of human rights and international law.
Petition:
We demand that the International Olympic Committee take the following actions:
1. Ban the Israeli national Olympic Judo team from participating in the upcoming Olympic Games as a consequence of their egregious violation of Olympic principles and values, as well as future events held by the All Japan Judo Federation
2. Conduct a thorough investigation into the conduct of the Israeli athletes involved in the incident and impose appropriate disciplinary measures, including suspensions or lifetime bans, as deemed necessary.
3. Issue a public statement condemning the actions of the Israeli athletes and reaffirming the Olympic Committee's and All Japan Judo Federation’s commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, respect, and non-violence.
4. Provide support and protection to individuals and groups advocating for justice and human rights, including Palestinians, who may face reprisals or intimidation as a result of their activism.
The Olympic Committee has a responsibility to uphold the integrity and values of the Olympic movement. Failure to take meaningful action in response to such flagrant violations of Olympic ethics would undermine the credibility of the Olympic Games and condone impunity for those who seek to undermine the principles of peace, solidarity, and respect for all.
Likewise, the All Japan Judo Federation must take responsibility for the actions committed by the athletes that they invite into the country.
Sign this petition to demand accountability for the violation of Olympic ethics and to ensure justice is served in response to the misconduct of the Israeli Judo team.
Resources:
https://www.arabnews.jp/en/japan/article_118791/
Tweet thread of a witness detailing theit entire experience: https://twitter.com/kedamamofumofui/status/1773989722261758039
A thread of various tweets from witnesses:
https://togetter.com/li/2329442?page=6#h131_0
Other witness tweet: https://twitter.com/futakuchimana/status/1774129574005375483
To:
International Olympic Committee
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned, call upon the International Olympic Committee to take immediate action in response to the egregious violation of Olympic ethics and principles by members of the Israeli national Olympic Judo team during an incident on March 30, 2024, at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan.
It has come to our attention that members of the team have engaged in actions that are not only contrary to the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship but also blatantly disregard the principles of peace and justice that the Olympics stand for.
The Olympic Games are meant to be a celebration of unity and respect among nations. However, the actions of the Israeli Judo Team's conduct in Tokyo, Japan while wearing their Olympic gear demonstrates otherwise. Multiple victims have shared detailing instances of misconduct and harassment.
In light of these egregious violations, we urge the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take immediate action and ban the Israeli Judo Team from participating in the Olympics 2024. Allowing them to compete would send the wrong message and undermine the integrity of the Games.
Furthermore, we call for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Israeli Judo Team and for those responsible to be held accountable. It is imperative that the IOC upholds its commitment to promoting peace, respect, and solidarity through sport.
By banning the Israeli Judo Team from the Olympics 2024, the IOC would demonstrate its unwavering dedication to upholding the values of the Olympic Charter and ensure that the Games remain a beacon of hope and inspiration for people around the world.
We stand united in demanding accountability for the violation of Olympic ethics and urge the IOC to take decisive action.
