‘Israel's’ flag bearer Jared Firestone parades with other athletes during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
‘Israeli’ delegation booed at winter olympics opening ceremony
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The ‘Israeli’ delegation was met with audible boos from sections of the 61,000 spectators during the parade of nations, a reaction linked to widespread international criticism of the ongoing assault on Gaza.
- Protests and Context: The incident followed "ICE OUT" demonstrations in Milan earlier that day; the frosty reception for ‘Israel’ and US Vice President JD Vance stood in stark contrast to the enthusiastic applause received by the Ukrainian delegation.
During the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the San Siro stadium in Milan, the ‘Israeli’ delegation encountered a smattering of boos from portions of the audience.
The ceremony was attended by approximately 61,000 spectators.
The boos directed at the ‘Israeli’ team were audible during the parade of nations, as the delegation entered the stadium waving their flag.
#Israel booed at Olympics opening… pic.twitter.com/6WyuashtSP
— Rıza Şeref (@RizaSeref) February 6, 2026
Reports indicate that the negative response was quickly overshadowed by the event's loud soundtrack, minimizing its immediate impact.
The booing is linked to ongoing international criticism of ‘Israel's’ assault on Gaza. Protests against ‘Israel's’ participation were anticipated, with "ICE OUT" demonstrations occurring in Milan earlier that day, and pro-Palestinian activists previously intercepted during the Olympic torch relay in December 2025.
Peaceful gatherings near San Siro included chants supporting Palestinians and opposing Olympic expenditures.
US Vice President JD Vance also received boos when displayed on stadium screens, and the Ukrainian delegation eliciting enthusiastic applause amid their nation's ongoing conflict.
