Approximately 40–50 Israeli runners participated in the Sydney Marathon yesterday (Sunday), as part of a fundraising effort for Shalva, an Israeli organization supporting children and families with disabilities.
The delegation included IDF soldiers and veterans, among them members of the Golani Brigade and Unit 8200. Roi Orion, a former deputy company commander in Golani's 13th Battalion also participated.
Protests Along the Route
Pro-Palestinian protesters lined sections of the marathon course, holding Palestinian flags and signs. Some demonstrations called for the Israeli participants to be removed from the race, with activists characterizing them as "war criminals."
Organizers had previously argued that the delegation included soldiers who served in Gaza and Lebanon, demanding either investigation or denial of entry visas.
According to pro-Palestinian media outlets including Al Jazeera, there was a significant protester presence throughout the route. However, J-Wire, the Australian Jewish news outlet, reported that Israeli runners passed by only two small clusters of protesters. The marathon proceeded without disruption, and no arrests were reported. NSW police had prepared in advance for potential disturbances.
