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Judoka Sagi Muki Wins Gold in Abu Dhabi; “Hatikva”Played for 1st Time

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Israeli judoka Sagi Muki defeated Matthias Casse of Belgium in the Judo Grand competition in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening, winning the gold medal.

Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, who is currently in Abu Dhabi, wrote on social media, “We made history, the people of Israel live!”

She was brought to tears Sunday, as she heard her country’s national anthem played at the event, in another milestone towards rapprochement with the Arab world.

Regev’s presence in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi marked the first time a minister from Israel attended a sports event in the Gulf, Israeli officials said.

It is also the first time an Israeli delegation participates there under its national flag, after the International Judo Federation warned UAE organizers they would cancel the competition unless all athletes were allowed to participate on an equal footing.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein called Muki “a champion” and added, “It is a great feeling to hear our national anthem… played for the first time in Abu Dhabi.”

“We salute you,” Edelstein said. “You brought a great honor to the State of Israel.”

American Jewish Committee assistant executive director Avi Mayer wrote on Twitter that the win was “a glimmer of joy amidst today’s gloom.”

Last year, tournament organizers in Abu Dhabi banned the flag and national anthem of Israel, which has no diplomatic relations with Gulf states.

“I’m very proud to be here in Abu Dhabi representing Israel along with the judo team and our flag,” Regev wrote on her Facebook page.

Three Israeli judokas won bronze medals on Saturday, the first day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, with Regev given the honor of awarding the medals for one of the categories.

Regev’s trip to the UAE, which began on Thursday, coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s visit to neighboring Oman, the first for an Israeli leader since 1996.

On the same day, an Israeli gymnastics delegation was in Qatar for the beginning of the world championships being held in Doha.

And on Monday, Communications Minister Ayoob Kara was to travel to Dubai to represent Israel at an international internet security conference, his office said.

Israel currently has full diplomatic relations with only two Arab states, Egypt and Jordan.

Netanyahu has long sought a rapprochement with other Arab states.

Speaking of his Oman visit at a cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu said it was thanks to his “diplomatic efforts” in the Arab world, adding: “There will be more.” (INN)

 

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