'Israel's' anthem plays in Abu Dhabi as ambassador hails 'historic' sports moment
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Yossi Shelley, 'Israel's' ambassador to the UAE, said he felt "immense pride" after hearing Hatikvah, 'Israel's' national anthem, played inside Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena during the Ju-Jitsu World Championships.
"With the Israeli flag on my shoulders and immense pride in my heart," Shelley said in a statement, praising the victory of Noga Reshef, who won gold in her division, and highlighting the event as a symbol of sports ties between the UAE and 'Israel'.
With the Israeli flag on my shoulders and immense pride in my heart🇮🇱
— Ambassador Yossi Shelley (@ambshelley) August 3, 2026
Yesterday, I had the honor of standing alongside the Israeli delegation at the Ju-Jitsu World Championships in Abu Dhabi, witnessing firsthand the determination, talent, and Israeli spirit that led to… pic.twitter.com/xSrAKa8xyU
The 'Israeli' delegation secured four medals at the championship held at Mubadala Arena. Shani Bechor won silver, while Ido Barash and Yoav Salomon earned bronze medals, said the ambassador.
Shelley attended the event and presented medals during the podium ceremonies, thanking the UAE for hosting the competition and describing sports as a way to build bridges of mutual respect.
The appearance comes amid continued diplomatic relations between the UAE and 'Israel' following the 2020 Abraham Accords, which established formal ties between the two countries.
'Israeli' participation in regional sporting events continues against the backdrop of wider political tensions in the Middle East.
