# Swiss fencers turn away from Israeli team in protest of Gaza genocide

> At the European Fencing Championships in Tallinn, the Swiss under-23 fencing team staged a silent protest by turning their backs during Israel's national anthem. The act, seen as a protest against the Gaza genocide, spa…

Published: 2026-09-16 · Desk: Latest · Source: Times of Israel

At the European Fencing Championships in Tallinn, members of the Swiss under-23 fencing team performed a silent protest by turning their backs during the medal ceremony while Israel’s national anthem played. This act was interpreted as a statement against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The protest elicited a mix of reactions, with some condemning it as disrespectful, while others praised the athletes for their courage in using their platform to raise awareness about a pressing humanitarian crisis. The incident highlighted the moral responsibility that sports can carry in addressing injustice, particularly when global institutions often fail to speak out on such issues.

Original reporting: https://www.timesofisrael.com/swiss-fencers-turn-backs-on-winning-israeli-team-as-hatikvah-plays-at-championship/amp/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ79I1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrcUhhNjNLd1NlS0l3RTBJAR4uFkeWq6C7JOLx3-NXaQq2J80Odj4Sf2XRPCk5-DqvkdCT9o1ozopqY2C_Kg_aem_xZc9t7d8C2b6HzCZ2EfFOw
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