Sydney Marathon Marred by Protests as Israeli Soldiers Take Part ###

Amidst the excitement of the 2026 Sydney Marathon, controversy erupted as at least one Israeli soldier took part in the race, despite widespread protests. The participation of the soldier, along with 39 others, sparked a wave of criticism and online protests, as activists and rights organizations condemned the Australian government's decision to grant visas to the Israeli soldiers.

Demonstrators lined the marathon course, waving Palestinian flags and holding signs demanding the exclusion of war criminals from the event. The protesters, adorned in keffiyehs and watermelon accessories—symbols of Palestinian resistance—chanted slogans like "Australia cut ties with apartheid Israel" and demanded accountability from the Australian authorities.

The Israeli contingent in the marathon was affiliated with the Golani Brigade and signal intelligence Unit 8200, branches of the Israeli military that have faced significant allegations of human rights abuses. A United Nations Commission of Inquiry had previously concluded that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, and the Golani Brigade was identified as one of the "most criminally accused brigades" in the Israeli military.

Roy Oryon, a member of the marathon delegation, had served as the deputy company commander in the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion, which played a role in the fighting in Gaza and southern Lebanon. His involvement in the event sparked further outrage, with activists calling for investigations and potential prosecution of the participating soldiers.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs faced intense scrutiny over its decision to issue visas to the soldiers. The [Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement], which advocates for the end of international support for Israel's oppression of Palestinians, criticized the department's action. "Every state is obliged to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing genocide," the BDS movement stated.

When questioned by Al Jazeera about the soldiers' security screening or character checks, a Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said they could not comment on individual cases due to privacy reasons. However, they assured that all non-citizens must satisfy the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 and the Migration Regulations 1994, including identity, health, character, and security requirements.

The timing of the soldiers' arrival in Australia was particularly contentious, as it followed Israel's refusal to pursue a criminal investigation into the killing of Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues in a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza in April 2024.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) called for an "urgent scrutiny" of the reported Israeli participants, arguing that Australia could not claim to uphold international law while potentially allowing individuals suspected of involvement in serious international crimes to enter the country without proper investigation. The organization demanded that the Australian Government and the Australia Police Force act before the event proceeds.

The Sydney Marathon's association with the Israeli soldiers underscored the complex web of political tensions and human rights concerns that continue to define Australia's relationship with Israel. As the controversy surrounding the event unfolds, it remains to be seen how Australia will navigate the delicate balance between hosting international sporting events and upholding its commitment to human rights and international law.