The Israeli team and US Vice President JD Vance faced boos at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, amid political tensions over Gaza and US immigration policy.
MILAN: Israel’s Olympic team and US Vice President JD Vance were met with boos during the opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday.
The four-person Israeli delegation entered the San Siro stadium to a smattering of jeers, which were quickly drowned out by the loud ceremony soundtrack.
Cheers for the large US team turned to boos when Vance appeared on the stadium’s big screen.
The chilly reception for Vance follows political unrest in the US over federal immigration enforcement spilling into the Games’ host country.
Hundreds protested in Milan earlier on Friday, demanding the removal of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) analysts supporting the US delegation.
In Cortina d’Ampezzo, where a simultaneous parade was held, the US team were cheered loudly and Israel’s athletes also earned some applause.
Israeli athletes said prior to the ceremony they were prepared for a potentially hostile reception following the war in Gaza.
“I’m prepared, they can do whatever they want,” Israeli skier Barnabas Szollos said ahead of the opening ceremony.
Israel has a troubled history at the Olympics, with 11 athletes killed during an attack by Palestinian militants at the 1972 Munich Summer Games.