Israeli Ninja Champion Dvir Efrati Reflects on Global Win and Personal Journey
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Israeli Ninja World Champion Dvir Efrati celebrated his victory in China by reciting "Shema Yisrael" on the podium, later facing an antisemitic incident in Tokyo. Efrati, 23, discussed his rigorous training, his public displays of faith, and his challenging upbringing in a Haredi yeshiva. After a period of depression, he found guidance from Rabbi Yigal Cohen, which helped him complete his education and begin intense ninja training. He achieved the world title within five years of starting the sport and now aims for future championships and personal goals, including finding a partner.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Dvir Efrati won the Ninja World Championship, displaying Jewish pride on the podium with the Israeli flag and "Shema Yisrael."
- Efrati faced an antisemitic protestor in Tokyo after his victory, which he recounted as a confrontation after being verbally attacked.
- He detailed a difficult childhood in a Haredi yeshiva, experiencing bullying and alienation before finding guidance from Rabbi Yigal Cohen.
- Efrati began ninja training at 18 and became world champion within five years, overcoming injuries and a demanding regimen.
- His future goals include winning a double championship in China, giving motivational lectures, and finding a life partner.
Dvir Efrati, the Ninja World Champion from Yavne, recently captured international attention not only for his victory but also for his public display of Jewish pride on the podium, reciting "Shema Yisrael" while draped in the Israeli flag and wearing a kippah. This moment of national pride was soon followed by an unfortunate incident in Tokyo where Efrati, still wearing his medal, encountered an antisemitic protestor. Efrati recounted that he initially approached the protestor with the Israeli flag after being verbally attacked for wearing his kippah, leading to a confrontation that drew a crowd.
In an interview conducted at the "Flash" ninja gym in Ra'anana, where he trains, Efrati, 23, discussed his rigorous training regimen, emphasizing the importance of staying constantly busy to avoid idleness. He proudly stated that Israel has the best ninja team in the world, backed by the sport's growing success internationally. Efrati explained that his public displays of faith, including reciting "Shema Yisrael" and wearing religious attire, are a consistent practice in all his competitions, aiming to positively influence young followers.
Efrati also shared his challenging upbringing within a strict Haredi environment in Ashdod, detailing experiences of bullying and alienation due to his Yemenite heritage and energetic personality within an Ashkenazi yeshiva. He described feeling like an outcast, facing accusations and being expelled daily for years. A turning point came in his late teens when, after a period of deep depression and disconnection from religious life, he found guidance and acceptance from Rabbi Yigal Cohen. This relationship marked a significant shift, leading Efrati to re-engage with his studies, complete his matriculation exams, and pursue a bachelor's degree while simultaneously embarking on a demanding physical training program.
His ninja journey began at age 18, and within five years, he achieved the world championship title. Efrati acknowledged the physical toll of his late start and intense training, noting that injuries have been a recurring challenge. Despite these setbacks, he views his victory as a testament to his mental fortitude and the difficult path he navigated. Looking ahead, Efrati aims to win a double championship in China next year and plans to deliver motivational lectures, emphasizing that his ultimate goal is to find love and a partner to share his life with.