France ensures security of Israeli athletes after MP Thomas Portes’ “not welcome” stance at 2024 Paris Olympics

French MP Thomas Portes’ comments on Israeli athletes flare social media rage ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

France ensures security of Israeli athletes after MP Thomas Portes’ “not welcome” stance at 2024 Paris Olympics

Thomas Portes [Image Credit: The Times of Israel]

French MP Thomas Portes’ stance on Israeli athletes sparks outrage on social media. Portes commented how the Israeli Olympians are “not welcome” on the world stage after he protested against the team’s participation on Saturday.

The incident took place during a pro-Palestinian gathering in Paris where he boldly claimed, “…the Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris.” He further pressed on the matter saying how “we have to mobilise and denounce the presence of the state that is today massacring a population.”

His comments backfired, as several people on social media stood against his ideals further creating controversies and backlash on Thomas Portes. His comments were further criticized by Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France. 

Israeli athletes are not welcome at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Thomas Portes as per Sky News.

Following people’s reaction, France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne said they’ll provide “security” to the Israeli athletes and that Israel was most welcome to compete at Paris Olympics and the Paralympic Games this year.

France will ensure the security of all delegations.
Stephane Sejourne as per Sky News.

On the other hand, Yonathan Arfi labeled Thomas Portes’ comments as “indecent” and “irresponsible”. He pointed out the 1972 Munich Olympic Games where 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by the Palestinian militant group. 

President of France Emmanuel Macron reacts to Thomas Portes stance on Israeli athletes

Reacting to Thomas Portes’ comments, Yonathan Arfi further added how Israeli athletes are already feeling the “most threatened” and MP’s comments further added pressure to that. Portes’ stance received severe backlash on social media.

Emmanuel Macron and Thomas Portes [ [Image Credit: Britannica/Ouest-France]
Emmanuel Macron and Thomas Portes [ [Image Credit: Britannica/Ouest-France]

President of France Emmanuel Macron also declared on Tuesday that Israeli athletes are “welcome” at Paris Olympics. In an interview with France 2, he said,

I condemn in the strongest possible way all those who create risks for these athletes and implicitly threaten them.
Emmanuel Macron as per Times of India.

Macron added that “we need to come together” as France is open and inviting all Olympians from around the world to the Paris Olympic Games. He said security is being strictly maintained to avoid any unforeseen circumstances during the Opening Ceremony or further in the game days.

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