Israeli judoka Inbar Lanir dedicated her bronze medal win in Uzbekistan to Itzik Elgarat, a hostage murdered by Hamas. Elgarat was abducted on October 7, 2023, and his body was returned to Israel in February 2024. The Israeli women’s judo team achieved notable success at the competition, securing three medals in total.
Inbar Lanir, an Israeli judoka, recently dedicated her bronze medal victory at the 2025 Tashkent Grand Slam in Uzbekistan to Itzik Elgarat, who was murdered while held hostage by Hamas. After her win in the -78 kg category against Karol Gimenes from Brazil, the 24-year-old expressed her intent to honor Elgarat’s memory by representing him through her achievement.
Elgarat, a 68-year-old dual Danish-Israeli citizen, was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This tragic event claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals as Hamas took 251 hostages during that day’s assault. The terrorists fatally shot Elgarat in his home before taking him to the Gaza Strip.
Hamas returned Elgarat’s body, along with three other hostages, to Israel on February 27, 2024, in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire agreement. Forensic examinations confirmed that Elgarat was killed while in captivity. He was subsequently laid to rest in Israel, leaving behind two children residing in Denmark, a brother, and two sisters, including Rachel Dancyg, who survived the October 7 attack.
In addition to Lanir’s success, fellow Israeli judoka Raz Hershko secured fifth place in the +78 kg category at the same event. The Israeli women’s judo team concluded the competition with three medals, including a silver awarded to Inbal Shemesh and bronzes earned by Timna Nelson Levy and Lanir.
Inbar Lanir’s bronze medal at the Tashkent Grand Slam serves as a poignant tribute to Itzik Elgarat, a hostage who lost his life amid Hamas captivity. The story highlights the intertwining of sports and national identity, as Lanir’s victory reflects solidarity with the victims of terrorism. The performance of the entire Israeli judo team demonstrates resilience despite the ongoing challenges faced by the nation.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
