“In the Dolomites, I experienced a warmth and closeness I could never have imagined. I realized my childhood dream of representing Israel at the Winter Olympics.” These are the words of 35-year-old American-born Israeli skeleton racer Jared Firestone. After competing in the Milan-Cortina Games and finishing 22nd, he stopped in Milan, where Rabbi Levi and Mashi Hazad hosted him at the Chabad Center HaMakom. Firestone recounted his decision to honor the Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Munich Olympics during the inaugural parade. “I wore their names on my kippah. They were with me, along with the Israeli flag,” he said, hinting at the security problems faced by the Israeli team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also competed wearing a helmet featuring a large blue Star of David to represent Jewish pride. “It made me feel faster, and I knew that everyone recognized me because of the Maghen David.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He trained for months in New York State and Salt Lake City to achieve his results in Cortina. “It was a serene environment, which allowed us to train well.” Despite some protests, the atmosphere in Italy was also serene. “None of us experienced any antisemitic episodes during our stay. On the contrary!” he concluded with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rabbi Hazan and Milo Hasbani, vice president of the UCEI, emphasized the meaning of Firestone’s participation in the Winter Olympics. “He was an ambassador in a difficult discipline, and it sent the best message of peace and hope,” said Hazan. “Taking part in an international competition is paramount for Israel. It gives strength and visibility to an entire people,” Hasbani concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"