Olympic Medalist Oren Smadja Joins Gilad Erdan’s Unity Party

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 historic and emotional 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 this belief motivated his decision to join Erdan’s party, which he trusts to lead a responsible right-wing agenda focused on national service and internal cohesion.

Previously, Smadja had expressed openness to entering politics if presented with a serious offer. He mentioned receiving multiple proposals but chose Erdan’s party because of his confidence in Erdan’s leadership and vision for Israel. This move marks Smadja’s formal entry into the political arena with a focus on fostering unity within the country.