The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed notable moments of controversy and protest. The Israeli Olympic team faced a chorus of boos as they entered San Siro stadium, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance encountered similar reactions when his image appeared on the big screen.
Israel’s Olympic Team Faces Mixed Reception
The four-member Israeli delegation proudly waved their national flag, but the initial applause was soon overshadowed by disapproval from parts of the crowd. While the atmosphere was otherwise celebratory, the presence of the Israeli team ignited a complex mix of emotions due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
US Vice President Vance Receives Public Discontent
After cheers for Team USA, the mood shifted dramatically when Vance was shown. His reception aligned with growing dissent over U.S. immigration policies that influenced the hosting country, Italy, leading to protests against the former Trump administration’s rules.
Protests Erupt in Milan
- Hundreds participated in “ICE OUT” protests across Milan on the same day.
- Concerns were raised regarding the involvement of analysts linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Olympics.
In a parallel event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the U.S. team enjoyed enthusiastic support, while the Israeli athletes also garnered some cheers. However, at Predazzo, where ski jumping was taking place, reactions were mixed with more boos for the Israeli contingent.
Preparations Amid Hostility
Israeli athletes had anticipated a difficult atmosphere due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Skier Barnabas Szollos expressed a commitment to focus on his performance, stating, “I just want to have a good race, fun race, and do the best I can.”
Historic Context of Israeli Participation
Israel’s participation in the Olympics carries significant historical weight. The country has a painful legacy tied to the tragic Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian militants. For years, the International Olympic Committee resisted honoring these athletes during opening ceremonies, but in 2021, they were finally acknowledged at the Tokyo Games.
Conflict Statistics
Since the recent onset of a ceasefire in October, Gaza health officials reported that approximately 560 individuals, primarily civilians, were killed by Israeli fire. In the same timeframe, Israeli authorities confirmed the deaths of four soldiers due to Palestinian militant actions.
