Israel’s Olympic team walked into the stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday to a smattering of boos at what had otherwise been an upbeat and festive celebration of the global winter sports extravaganza.

The Israeli delegation, waving the country’s flag and smiling, marched into the San Siro stadium during the parade of participating countries with the boos quickly drowned out by the loud soundtrack.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, where a simultaneous parade was held for competitors located in the mountain cluster, Israel’s athletes earned some cheers, while in Predazzo, site of the ski jumping venue, there were some boos heard.

Israeli athletes said prior to the opening ceremony they were prepared for a potentially hostile reception following the war against Hamas in Gaza.

“I’m prepared, they can do whatever they want,” Israeli skier Barnabas Szollos said ahead of the opening ceremony.

“I just want to have a good race, fun race and do the best I can,” he said.

Israel has sent nine Olympians........

© The Times of Israel