The Iranian judoka defected to Germany to seek a life of freedom and escape his nation's ban on competing against Israelis.

The International Judo Federation banned Iran’s team until it promises to stop a long-running boycott of Israel.

The IJF said that the Iran Judo Federation was suspended from 'all competitions, administrative and social activities organized or authorized' by the IJF.

Iranian judoka admits the Islamic regime forced him to lose a match to avoid facing the Israeli competitor. More than anything, he wants to win the championship.

The Israeli national anthem, 'Hatikva,' was played in the Japanese capital as 27-year-old judoka Sagi Muki stood on the podium.

Israel and the International Judo Federation hailed a letter from Iran saying it would end its policy of discrimination. Tehran remained silent.

Paltchik dedicated his momentous achievement to the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre and to the Israeli victims of Hamas' terrorism near Gaza.

Israelis were thrilled when Hatikvah was played in Abu Dhabi after Israeli Judoka Sagi Muki won the gold medal. 

For the first time, Israeli athletes will compete in Abu Dhabi under an Israeli flag. 

Israeli judoka Sagi Muki won a bronze medal after his Jordanian opponent intentionally gained weight to avoid competing against him.

For years, Israeli athletes have faced boycotts, snubs and logistical hurdles related to sporting events hosted by Arab and Muslim countries. Finally, the IJF put its foot down.

Israel's judo fighters won four medals in the European Senior Judo Championships 2018 held in Tel Aviv.

'It is a great experience to win a gold medal in Morocco, hear Hatikva and feel so proud of our athletes and the state of Israel.'

Israeli judoka Tohar Butbul won a bronze medal after his Iranian opponent intentionally gained weight to avoid competing with him.

Morocco is refusing to allow Israel's Judo team to compete in a tournament in the country. 

It appears that judo has become Israel's unofficial national sport, with five of its nine Olympic medals coming in the sport.

Israel is proud of its Olympic Judo fighter Yarden Gerbi for bringing home a bronze medal.

Israeli judoka Ori Sasson won the silver medal in the European Judo Championships, paving his way to the Rio Olympic Games.

The BBC is broadcasting “The A-Word” – a drama about a family with an autistic son - after buying the format from Israel’s Keshet International, and Israel attracts about 500 million birds annually, prompting the government to feed 8 tons of corn to thousands of cranes every day.

Meet Yarden Gerbi, the #1 female Judoka in the world, winner of the gold medal at the 2013 World Judo Championship.