Israeli soldiers participate in Sydney Marathon despite protests | Athletics
Demonstrators Protest Israeli Soldiers’ Participation in Sydney Marathon
SYDNEY — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered along the route of the Sydney Marathon on Sunday to protest the inclusion of Israeli soldiers in the prestigious event, calling on the Australian government to explain their presence.
The participation of 40 soldiers, some alleged to have connections to actions described as genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, has spurred online protests organized by human rights groups and activists in the days leading up to the marathon.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held signs demanding that individuals identified as war criminals be barred from the race. Many wore traditional keffiyehs and displayed watermelon motifs, which symbolize Palestinian identity and resistance.
At least one Israeli soldier was confirmed to have run in the marathon, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The Israeli delegation included members of the Golani Brigade and the signal intelligence unit 8200. The Golani Brigade, in particular, has faced accusations of serious misconduct in conflict zones.
Roy Oryon, a member of the delegation, previously served as a deputy company commander in the brigade’s 13th Battalion, which has been involved in military operations in both Gaza and southern Lebanon. Golani troops have also been linked to incidents involving the ambush of first responders amid the Gaza conflict.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ decision to issue visas to these soldiers has drawn widespread criticism. Online campaigns have called for race organizers and state officials to investigate potential criminal actions by the participants.
The Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement released a statement emphasizing that Australian authorities are obligated to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of committing genocide. “Every state is obliged to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing genocide,” the statement read.
Al Jazeera reached out to the Department of Home Affairs to inquire whether these individuals underwent additional security screenings or character checks, as suggested by Ministerial Direction 110 of Australia’s Migration Act. This regulation allows visa denial for individuals associated with groups suspected of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.
A Department spokesperson stated that they could not comment on specific cases due to privacy concerns but affirmed that all non-citizens must meet the requirements outlined in the Migration Act and Regulations, which include identity, health, character, and security criteria.
The Israeli soldiers arrived in Australia shortly after Israel’s military declined to pursue a criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues, who were killed in a convoy strike in Gaza in April 2024.
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) called for “urgent scrutiny” regarding the Israeli participants. They criticized the Australian government for permitting entry to individuals potentially involved in serious crimes without appropriate investigation.
Activists also challenged local organizations linked to Israel, accusing them of sponsoring the participation of current and former soldiers associated with harmful actions in conflict zones, asserting that this undermines Australia’s commitment to international law.
