Olympic Medalist Oren Samdaja Joins Gilad Erdan's Political Party

Oren Samdaja, one of Israel's most prominent athletes and an Olympic bronze medalist from the 1992 Barcelona Games, has announced his entry into politics by joining Gilad Erdan's party. Samdaja declared on August 12, 2026, that he is embarking on a new chapter beyond his sports career, motivated by a desire to serve Israel in a different arena. He emphasized the importance of national unity over political division, inspired in part by personal tragedy, including the loss of his son Omer in combat.

Samdaja explained that despite receiving multiple political offers, he chose to join Erdan's party because he believes in Erdan's leadership and vision of responsible right-wing politics that prioritizes national service as a foundation for unity. He praised Erdan's extensive experience as a Knesset member, government minister, and ambassador to the US and UN, highlighting his dedication to representing Israel internationally.

Reflecting on his sports career, Samdaja noted that success comes when the national team identity surpasses individual recognition, a principle he believes applies to Israel's current need for unity. He stated, "I believe in a right-wing that maintains security but understands that to win, we must preserve the unity of the people. I do not want to choose between Israelis; I want to connect them. That is why I found my place in Gilad Erdan's Unity Party. Join us."

Samdaja served as the coach of Israel's men's judo team from 2010 until his resignation in 2025. Under his leadership, the team won Olympic medals, including with athletes Uri Sasson in Tokyo and Peter Palchik in Paris shortly after his son's death. His political move marks a significant transition from sports to public service, aiming to contribute to Israel's future through political unity and national service.