Pro-Palestinian Group Targets Israeli Athlete at World Championship in France

A pro-Palestinian organization, the Hind Rajab Foundation, has filed a complaint in France against an Israeli reservist officer and athlete, Elitzur Gitler, who is participating in the Roundnet World Championship near Paris. The foundation, which tracks Israeli soldiers abroad and files complaints against them, alleges Gitler's former unit was involved in destruction and actions at civilian sites in Gaza, including hospitals and mosques, between November 2023 and April 2024. French Parliament member Thomas Portes, from the radical left party "France Unbowed," has contacted the French prosecutor's office regarding the complaint, seeking an investigation into Gitler's personal responsibility.

Gitler, a resident of Ra'anana and captain of Israel's national roundnet team, is competing in the championship, which runs from September 2 to 6. Roundnet is a relatively new team sport resembling volleyball, played around a low, circular net. The complaint was also supported by the French organization FRACBI, which advocates for academic, cultural, and sports boycotts of Israel. The Hind Rajab Foundation, founded by Lebanese-Belgian activist Diab Abou Jahjah, has filed over 100 criminal complaints in approximately 30 countries since 2024, targeting Israelis who served in the IDF.

French authorities are being urged by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the group Urgence Palestine to investigate Gitler and prevent his return to Israel until the allegations are resolved. Urgence Palestine, formed after October 7, is a coalition of far-left groups, student movements, unions, and BDS activists. The French Interior Ministry has announced plans to ban Urgence Palestine due to accusations of antisemitism and links to extremist elements, though this process is facing legal challenges.

The article notes that French law has significant limitations on universal jurisdiction for international offenses, often requiring a sufficient connection to France. Therefore, the filing of the complaint does not guarantee that French authorities will pursue the case against Gitler.