Olympic Medalist Oren Smadja Joins Gilad Erdan's Unity Party
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Olympic medalist Oren Smadja, who lost his son in combat, joined Gilad Erdan's Unity Party on August 12, 2026, emphasizing national unity over political division. He chose Erdan's leadership after considering multiple offers and aims to promote responsible right-wing values and service to Israel.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Oren Smadja, Olympic medalist and bereaved father, joins Gilad Erdan's Unity Party.
- Smadja highlights unity as more important than political disputes.
- He lost his son Omer in combat, a profound personal loss.
- Smadja chose Erdan's party over other political offers due to shared values.
- He previously expressed willingness to enter politics to benefit Israel.
- Smadja views national service as key to internal unity.
Oren Smadja, an Olympic medalist and bereaved father who lost his son in the war, announced on August 12, 2026, that he is joining the Unity Party led by Gilad Erdan. Smadja described the day as "emotional and historic" for him and his family, emphasizing his lifelong pride in representing Israel. He reflected on his personal highs and the profound pain of losing his son Omer in combat.
Smadja stressed that unity is more important than political disputes, stating, "There is one thing more important than any political disagreement - unity." He explained that after receiving multiple political offers, he chose to join Erdan because he believes in his leadership and vision of a responsible right-wing that values national service as the foundation of internal unity.
About a year earlier, Smadja had expressed openness to entering politics if a serious offer arose, saying he wanted to contribute positively to Israel. His decision to join Erdan's party marks the start of a new chapter in his public life, aiming to promote unity and national service.
