Israeli Athletes Win Olympic Medals in Rio

Yarden Gerbi won a Bronze Medal in the Women's 63 KG category and Or Sasson also won a Bronze Medal in the 100 kg plus division in the Judo competition at this year's Olympic competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sasson likened his feelings after winning his medal to "an eruption of a volcano. It happened at the right time," he told Israel's Channel 10. "I am excited. I feel that I made a childhood dream come true, thanks to the people who stood there at my side. I'm proud of our country, happy for the Nation of Israel. I want to dedicate this medal to the entire People of Israel who supported me, and sent messages of encouragement." (Times of Israel)

The celebration of these achievements were tempered by demonstrations of blatant Anti-Semitism. Sasson's medal came hours after an incident involving Egyptian athlete Islam el-Shahabi, who refused to shake his hand as is customary, after Sasson defeated him in a match. The crowd responded by booing the Egyptian. Hostility and taunting by Muslim nations, of the Israeli Olympic team has triggered a reprimand from the International Olympic Committee and alarm from the Anti-Defamation League. The IOC also issued a reprimand to the head of the Lebanese Olympic delegation earlier after he blocked Israeli athletes from a bus that the teams were supposed to share to reach the opening ceremony. (INN)

Pray against the humiliation of Israel's winning athletes in the 2016 Olympic games. Pray also for the ongoing protection of tens of thousands of Jews and Israelis attending and participating in this year's Olympic games.

"Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31