French Olympic Champion's Presidential Ambitions Highlight Israeli Political Divide
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Unlike France, where Olympic champion Teddy Riner may run for president, Israeli athletes face immense challenges transitioning to politics due to the country's polarized environment. The article highlights that Israeli politics, built on tribalism, makes it difficult for unifying sports figures to succeed, with most failing to translate athletic fame into political power. The Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect are seen as incompatible with the current Israeli political system. The only successful example cited is Yoel Razvozov, who followed a gradual, local path into government.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- French Olympic champion Teddy Riner is reportedly considering a presidential run.
- Israeli politics' polarization makes it difficult for athletes to succeed politically.
- Eli Ohana, Alona Barkat, and Arkady Gaydamak are examples of athletes failing in politics.
- Yoel Razvozov is the only Israeli exception, having entered politics gradually.
- Israeli society craves the unifying qualities of athletes in its public sphere.
In times of deep social division, sports figures often serve as rare unifying forces, capable of inspiring national pride. However, the path from athletic success to political influence in Israel is exceptionally difficult, unlike in France where Olympic champion Teddy Riner is reportedly considering a presidential run.
Israeli politics, characterized by tribalism and polarization, tends to alienate even popular sports personalities once they take a political stance. This contrasts with the Olympic ideals of excellence, friendship, and respect, which struggle to survive in the harsh Israeli political arena. A sports figure choosing a political side in Israel risks losing half the nation's support automatically.
The article cites several examples of prominent Israeli athletes who failed to translate their sporting fame into political success. Eli Ohana, a beloved sports icon, quickly withdrew from politics after facing significant challenges. Alona Barkat, successful owner of Hapoel Be'er Sheva, found that fan support did not translate into votes. Businessman Arkady Gaydamak, who invested heavily in Beitar Jerusalem, also failed in his bid for local leadership in Jerusalem. Even highly respected figures like Oren Smadja might not succeed in parlaying their public adoration into political gains.
The only exception noted is Yoel Razvozov, who entered politics through a long, gradual process, starting at the local municipal level before ascending to a ministerial position. This trajectory suggests that a direct leap from the sports podium to national leadership is largely unfeasible in Israel.
Ultimately, while Teddy Riner might pursue a political career in France, the article suggests that Israeli society and its public sphere are still yearning for the unifying qualities embodied by athletes. Until Israeli politics can embrace the principles of fair play and respect for opponents, national unity and solace will likely remain confined to international sports competitions, according to Dr. Alon Afek and Dr. Niv Nachliali from Ono Academic College.