Video diplomatic tensions after a protest on the podium, at the fencing championships. What did the Swiss swordsmen do during the Intnnection of the Israel's anthem
Fencing contest. Photo: Fabice Coffrini / AFP / Profimedia
A sports podium caused a diplomatic incident at Tallinn, Estonia. The Swiss, silver medals at the team sword test in the European U23 fencing championships, caused agitation after the time of the medals. Invited to return to the national flags to listen to the anthem of the Israeli quartet – the winner of the Swiss – the Swiss swords have chosen not to move, while remaining in profile, while the Israeli and the Italians (3rd place) respected the protocol.
The gesture of the four, meant to protest against the military operations carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza, surprised the public, especially since during the final (lost with 45-29), no hostile gestures were made, according to the Swiss fencing federation. The fenters were even greeted after the match, reports News.ro.
“Swiss Fencing does not understand why his team used the awards ceremony for a political demonstration. However, it should be noted that our athletes congratulated the Israeli winners,” the organization reacted in a press release, before announcing that it will decide on “measures that will be taken” when the team will return.
The is appalling. The Swiss Fencing Team Refused to Turn Toward the Israeli Flag after the Israeli team won gold at the European Championship. pic.twitter.com/j9qiiecj8n
– Aviva Klompas (@avivaklompas) April 27, 2025
Meanwhile, this protest has aroused high -level reactions. The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed X shortly after the incident. “Shame on the Swiss team for their disrespectful behavior,” he wrote. The Swiss ambassador to Israel, Simon Geissbühler, quickly replied with a comment, sending “congratulations to the Israeli fencing for the gold medal obtained at the Under-23 Championship in Tallinn.”
He also reposted a photo from the last edition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in which Judoka Peter Paltchik (Israel) and Daniel Eich (Switzerland) appear after the fight for the bronze medal, won by Judoka Israeli.
TIME TO RE-POST THIS. This is SportsmanShip! https://t.co/32ykvwxaqc
– AMM SIMON GEISSBühler (@Swissbil) April 27, 2025
