A day before the Israeli delegation left for the European Fencing Championships in Antalya, Turkey, five athletes serving in the IDF received a letter banning them from leaving the country.
As you may recall, only yesterday the Anti-Terrorism Headquarters issued a scathing travel warning to Turkey, and specifically to the city of Istanbul.
It should be noted that the warning has been exacerbated to the highest level with an explicit call not to travel to it.
While the athletes had already started packing, having already received the required permits, the five received a message this morning "In light of the security situation, the trip to Turkey is canceled. If there are any changes we will be notified".
Among the athletes who will be forced to stay in Israel are Lior Druck, David Frumgretz, Nicole Fagin, Adel Bogdanov and Yonatan Cohen, who routinely train to reach the Olympics, but fulfill their duty at IDF bases as part of their service.
Nicole Fagin and Adele Bogdanov (center).
Meanwhile staying in the country,
The fencing association said: "It is terrible and today for us, we did everything possible. These are important athletes, as only now the campaign for the Paris Olympics begins and some make up the team. It is important to note that in the last three years, there has been no goal competition."
Jonathan Cohen.
Will he miss the goal competition ?, Photo: Courtesy of the Saif Association in Israel
They added: "It will be a blow for us, which will almost certainly eliminate the chances of the Olympics. We have complied with the security requirements, we have added what is needed, we have already been given permits and now at the last minute we are aware that everything is canceled?"
The IDF Spokesman's response will be provided, when received.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
