Jewish Advocacy Group Demands Firing of Swiss Broadcaster Over Anti-Israel Comments at Winter Olympics
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — The founder of the Jewish advocacy organization StopAntisemitism has called for the dismissal of a Swiss broadcaster following controversial remarks targeting Israeli Olympian A.J. Edelman during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Stefan Renna, a commentator for Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), described Edelman, Israel’s skeleton competitor, as a “self-defined Zionist” who allegedly supports “genocide” in Gaza, citing United Nations terminology to justify his accusation.
Liora Rez, who leads StopAntisemitism, condemned Renna’s remarks as deeply inappropriate and reminiscent of propaganda often seen in biased media outlets. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rez said, “It’s almost like Al Jazeera, puppet-state media broadcasting versus a European TV network, and it was entirely inappropriate. We firmly believe that Stefan needs to be terminated, and an apology needs to be issued by his broadcasting network.”
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of media commentary during international sporting events and the boundaries of political discourse. Edelman, who competes under the Israeli flag, has been vocal about his identity and support for his country, which has faced ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations has previously investigated allegations of war crimes and human rights violations in Gaza, leading to complex and often contentious discussions worldwide.
Radio Télévision Suisse responded to the backlash by removing the segment featuring Renna’s comments from its platforms, though it has not publicly announced any disciplinary action against the broadcaster. The network’s decision to pull the content underscores the sensitivity surrounding political statements made in the context of the Olympics, an event traditionally celebrated for fostering international unity and sportsmanship.
The controversy also comes amid heightened scrutiny of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has faced criticism from various groups, including Rez, for allegedly commercializing and politicizing the Games. Rez additionally criticized the IOC for selling a t-shirt emblazoned with Nazi propaganda, further fueling tensions around the event’s handling of historical and political symbolism.
Edelman’s participation in the Winter Olympics marks a significant moment for Israeli athletes on the global stage. His presence in Cortina d’Ampezzo highlights the intersection of sports, identity, and geopolitics, as athletes often become inadvertent symbols in broader international disputes. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized the importance of protecting athletes from harassment and ensuring that international competitions remain free from hate speech and discrimination.
Advocacy groups like StopAntisemitism continue to monitor media coverage and public discourse surrounding Israeli athletes, urging broadcasters and organizers to uphold standards that prevent the spread of antisemitism and misinformation. The organization’s call for accountability reflects ongoing efforts to combat hate speech in all forms, particularly in high-profile global events.
For more information on international efforts to address hate speech and protect human rights, the United Nations provides extensive resources. The U.S. Department of State also offers guidance on diplomatic and cultural relations during international sporting events. Meanwhile, media organizations are encouraged to adhere to standards outlined by the Federal Communications Commission to ensure responsible broadcasting. Finally, the International Olympic Committee maintains protocols aimed at preserving the Olympic spirit free from political controversy.
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