Former National Judo Coach Oren Samdaja Joins Gilad Erdan’s Unity Party

Oren Samdaja, a prominent Israeli judoka, national coach, and bereaved father, has joined the Unity party led by Gilad Erdan. Samdaja, who was honored last year by lighting a torch on Mount Herzl and dedicated the act to his son Omer, who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip, expressed his belief in Erdan’s leadership and the party’s vision. He emphasized his commitment to true right-wing values, universal national service, and unity above political divisions.

Samdaja grew up in Ofakim and became one of Israel’s leading athletes before transitioning to coaching, where he trained generations of Israeli judokas. Upon announcing his political move, he described it as a historic and emotional step for him and his family, motivated by his personal experiences and a desire to promote national unity.

Despite receiving offers from other political factions, Samdaja chose Erdan’s party, citing Erdan’s extensive experience as a Knesset member, minister, and ambassador to the US and UN. Erdan welcomed Samdaja warmly, highlighting his representation of Israel’s core values and his addition to the party’s team ahead of the upcoming elections.

Samdaja is the second notable figure to join the Unity party after Aliza Bloch, a respected public figure focused on education, who was the first to join Erdan and Yuli Edelstein’s new political formation. Their recruitment efforts aim to broaden the party’s appeal by including well-known Israeli personalities as the election approaches.