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An Israeli youth judo delegation was reportedly removed from a tournament in southern Poland on Saturday after being targeted with antisemitic chants.
The incident took place during a judo competition in the city of Bielsko-Biała, where about 90 Israeli athletes, ages 7 to 16, from three clubs had traveled to compete.
Embassy Warns of Antisemitic Harassment
The Israeli Embassy in Poland said it was “deeply concerned” by reports of abuse directed at the Israeli delegation, adding that “there is no place for violence or antisemitic slurs of any kind, particularly in sport, which should promote respect, fairness, and cooperation among nations.”
We are deeply concerned by the violent incident yesterday against the Israeli judo team, which was attacked verbally and physically during a competition in Bielsko-Biała in Poland. The Israeli competition participants were children and youth aged 7 to 16.
There is no place…
— Ambasada Izraela (@IsraelinPoland) January 11, 2026
According to accounts cited in Polish media, spectators shouted hostile slogans throughout the day. Chants were said to have included “Free Palestine” and “Look, the Jews are coming.” A witness told 247 Sports that the taunts continued during matches and distracted even the youngest competitors.
Confrontation Escalates After Appeal to Officials
As the shouting persisted, two Israeli coaches approached referees and asked them to intervene. Witnesses say the situation then escalated. A group of around 12 local men allegedly confronted the coaches and physically attacked them in front of the young athletes and spectators.
Organizers then removed the entire Israeli delegation from the competition. The team returned to its hotel and stayed there due to safety concerns.
Israeli athletes in a youth judo camp for 7-16 y.o. were attacked by Polish grown men, including 11 y.o. that was attacked while his parents are watching it live on TV.
They were pulled out from the competition and training “for their safety” Pathetic.
pic.twitter.com/zM7yeY3dgE— Gal G., Adv 🇮🇱 (@ICK_GalG) January 11, 2026
Conflicting Accounts From Polish Officials
Local authorities and tournament officials dispute the Israeli account. A statement published on the Bielsko-Biała municipal website claimed an Israeli coach reacted aggressively to a referee’s decision. The statement said the coach entered the competition area, shouted insults, and made physical contact with the referee.
Organizers contacted police and disqualified the Israeli team, according to that account.
A spokesperson for the Bielsko Police confirmed that police spoke with those involved. He said officers noted physical contact but received no formal complaints. The parties later dispersed without charges.
Calls for Accountability and Protection
The Israeli Embassy urged Polish authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and guarantee the safety of Israeli athletes at international events. The case has renewed concern about antisemitic hostility at sporting venues, particularly when it targets children.
No independent findings have yet reconciled the sharply different versions of events. The incident remains under scrutiny as tensions continue to affect Jewish and Israeli participation in sports across Europe.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
