Antisemitic protesters chanted „Heil Hitler” and waved Palestinian flags during Israel’s soccer match against Paraguay at the Paris Olympics over the weekend.
Along with the chant „Heil Hitler” and a Nazi salute, the group waved Palestinian flags. The protesters also chanted other hateful rhetoric and booed the Israeli team as they rose for their national hymn. Moreover, multiple audience members were seen raising large signs that read „Genocide Olympics,” reports The Jerusalem Post.
The anti-Israel demonstrators were promptly removed from the stadium, and no further antisemitic incidences were reported. The Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation into the case.
A Paris Olympic organiser commented, „Paris 2024 strongly condemns these acts. A complaint has been lodged by Paris 2024, which is at the disposal of the authorities to assist with the investigation.”
Earlier this year, 15 Israeli athletes received threatening messages from a group that describes themselves as „People’s Defense Organisation.” This letter announced that the „organisation” intends to harm any Israeli presence at the Olympics.
Besides the ongoing investigation into the incident during the Israel-Paraguay match, the prosecutor’s office has also opened an investigation into death threats against three Israeli athletes.
Israeli athletes are heavily protected by the police and Olympic officials due to safety concerns amid rising antisemitism worldwide.
Photo credit: BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS
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