Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir has achieved a remarkable feat by winning a silver medal in Paris, marking one of Israel’s first two medals this year and the country’s best finish in judo since 1992.
However, Lanir’s actions off the judo mat have also garnered attention and praise in Israel. Following a recent attack by Hamas, Lanir reached out to her neighbor Sheizaf Tal Meshulam, offering to babysit her kids and assist with errands. Meshulam, who had a relative serving in the military, accepted the offer and was pleasantly surprised by Lanir’s kindness and culinary skills, as detailed in a viral Facebook post.
Only later did Meshulam discover that her helpful neighbor was none other than Israeli Olympian Inbar Lanir, who had taken time off from training to lend a helping hand.
Following Lanir’s silver medal win, Meshulam expressed her excitement and admiration for the judoka’s success. Lanir’s performance at the Olympics also included a subtle nod to the recent events, as she wore a yellow scrunchie symbolizing support for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
In an interview, Lanir explained that despite the challenging times, she found motivation in representing her country and raising the Israeli flag on a global stage.
Alongside Lanir, fellow Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik also secured a bronze medal in Paris, adding to Israel’s judo success at the Games. Both athletes had previously won medals at the Tokyo Olympics, with Lanir being the 2023 world judo champion in her weight class.
Despite facing tough opponents, Lanir and Paltchik showcased their skill and determination, with Paltchik dedicating his win to his trainer’s son who had lost his life in the conflict with Hamas.
These victories not only highlight Israel’s prowess in judo but also serve as a source of pride and inspiration during challenging times for the country.