Israeli soldiers run Sydney Marathon amid protests over visas
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Forty Israeli soldiers, including members of the Golani Brigade and Unit 8200, participated in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday. Hundreds of protesters lined the course waving Palestinian flags and demanding Australia explain the soldiers' visas. The participation followed a week of online campaigns calling for the soldiers to be investigated for alleged war crimes.
Key Facts
- The Australian Department of Home Affairs granted visas to 40 Israeli soldiers for the Sydney Marathon.
- The Israeli marathon delegation included members of the Golani Brigade and signal intelligence Unit 8200.
- Roy Oryon, a member of the delegation, served as deputy company commander in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, which fought in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
- The Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement stated that Australian authorities have a legal obligation to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing genocide.
Protest Along the Course
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered along the Sydney Marathon course on Sunday to protest the participation of Israeli soldiers. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held posters calling for war criminals to be excluded from the event and for Australia to cut ties with Israel. Many wore keffiyehs and accessories featuring watermelons, traditional symbols of Palestinian identity and resistance.
Military Background of Delegation
The Israeli marathon delegation included members of the Israeli army's Golani Brigade and signal intelligence Unit 8200. A member of the UN Commission of Inquiry that concluded Israel was committing genocide in Gaza described Golani as one of the most criminally accused brigades in the Israeli military. Roy Oryon, a delegation member, served as deputy company commander in the brigade's 13th Battalion, which fought in Gaza and led Israel's advance into southern Lebanon. Golani troops have been linked to the ambush of 15 paramedics and rescue workers in Gaza last year.
Visa Controversy and Legal Calls
The decision by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to grant visas to the soldiers was widely questioned and criticised. Online campaigns called on race organisers and state officials to investigate and potentially prosecute the participating soldiers, some of whom were identified by name and military division. The Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement stated that Australian authorities have a legal obligation to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing genocide.
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Israeli soldiers run Sydney Marathon amid protests over visas
