Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir dedicated her bronze medal in Uzbekistan to Itzik Elgarat, a murdered hostaged, emphasizing remembrance amidst tragedy. Elgarat was abducted and later confirmed murdered by Hamas. The judo team achieved three medals overall at the competition, showcasing notable performance despite the ongoing conflict.
Inbar Lanir, an Israeli judoka, dedicated her bronze medal victory at the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam in Uzbekistan to Itzik Elgarat, a murdered Hamas hostage. Elgarat’s body was returned to Israel last month after being abducted on October 7, 2023. Lanir stated, “I fought today to fly the flag in his memory” after competing in the -78 kg category and winning against Brazil’s Karol Gimenes.
Itzik Elgarat, a dual Danish-Israeli citizen, was 68 years old when he was taken from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. He was fatally injured in a confrontation with Hamas terrorists before being taken as a hostage. His remains, returned alongside three other hostages, were exchanged for 602 Palestinian prisoners following a ceasefire agreement.
The forensic reports confirmed that Elgarat was killed while in captivity, leading to his burial in Israel on March 2. He is survived by two children living in Denmark, a brother, and two sisters, one of whom, Rachel Dancyg, also resided in Nir Oz and survived the attack.
In addition to Lanir’s achievement, Olympic-winning judoka Raz Hershko secured fifth place in the +78 kg category at the same competition. The Israeli women’s judo team performed commendably, earning a total of three medals, including a silver for Inbal Shemesh and bronzes for Timna Nelson Levy and Lanir.
Inbar Lanir’s bronze medal at the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam was a poignant tribute to Itzik Elgarat, a victim of Hamas violence. Elgarat’s tragic story highlights the impact of the conflict on individuals and families. The success of the Israeli women’s judo team, marked by multiple medals, demonstrates resilience and dedication in the face of adversity.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
