Israeli Winter Games Bobsled Team Robbed in Italy, Passports Stolen During Training

Members of Israel’s national bobsled team were robbed on Saturday in Italy while training for the Milan–Cortina Winter Games..

Thieves stole passports, sports equipment, and personal belongings from the athletes’ apartment.

Adam “AJ” Edelman, the team’s pilot, disclosed the incident on social media. He said the burglars took passports and thousands of dollars’ worth of gear. Later, Edelman clarified that the stolen items included suitcases, footwear, and specialized bobsled equipment required for competition.

While training for the Olympics the @israelbobsled apartment was broken into during their training, thousands of dollars of stuff and passports were stolen. What a season… pic.twitter.com/6Y9cDPofbC

— AJ Edelman, OLY (@realajedelman) February 7, 2026

Edelman was not inside the apartment at the time of the break-in. According to reports, the team’s coach, Itamar Shprinz, was present when the robbery occurred.

Despite the loss of critical documents and equipment, the athletes resumed training shortly afterward. Edelman said the team chose not to let the incident interfere with its preparation. Instead, he described a rapid return to focus and discipline. Edelman added that the response reflected what he called the “Israeli spirit,” emphasizing determination in the face of disruption.

Beyond the incident itself, the Israeli bobsled team has drawn attention for its composition. Edelman is widely believed to be the first Orthodox Jewish athlete to compete in the Winter Games. Notably, teammate Ward Fawarseh is believed to be the first Druze Olympian to represent Israel at the event.

While training in Italy ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Games, the Israeli Olympic bobsled team’s apartment was broken into. Passports and competition equipment were stolen. pic.twitter.com/Sh9lpvKUDn

— Combat Antisemitism Movement (@CombatASemitism) February 8, 2026

For more on Israeli athletes confronting antisemitism on the world stage, read CAM’s recent interview with two-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated judo fighter in Israeli history Peter Paltchik.

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