Forget London or Rio, Israeli athletes scoop up medals at the Gay Games

[King_David]

Six Israelis are in Ohio this week to compete at a showcase event for LGBT athletes. And yes, some people mention the war.

Usually, Elad Strohmayer wears a suit and tie to work in his role as deputy consul general for the Israeli consulate in Philadelphia. This week he traded the business attire for a wet suit and competed as a sailor at the ninth Gay Games in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.

“I’m here with two hats,” he said. “I came to participate as an openly gay man and a diplomat and to represent Israel.”

http://www.haaretz.com/mobile/1.610598

[King_David]

1. What happened to BDS or QAIA

Or the delegations from other Middle East countries or territories ?

[King_David]

2. Support from the USA Jewish community ?

’Embraced by a ‘nice Jewish family

The Israeli delegation also received a warm embrace from the Cleveland Jewish community. More than 180 people attended an event at the Mandel Jewish Community Center to welcome the athletes. They paid tribute to David Berger, one of the Israeli Olympians slain in Munich in 1972, before attending a reception at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. For Shalibo, the high hospitality has been a pleasant surprise.

http://www.haaretz.com/mobile/1.610598