URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking boxing event took place last week in London, where a multifaith Israeli team, composed of young Jewish and Muslim athletes, took on British competitors to promote peace and unity. The event, known as “Gloves and Doves,” was held at the JW3 cultural centre, showcasing the spirit of coexistence in Israel.
The Israeli team, featuring two Muslim and four Jewish boxers, fought to counter the narrative that “Zionism is racism.” Attendees witnessed a vibrant atmosphere filled with Israeli flags and messages of peace, written in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. Boxer Tony Milch, the event’s founder, emphasized the importance of their mission, stating, “We are here for peace, we are here for unity.”
This notable event marks the second time that young Israeli boxers have traveled to the UK for the initiative. Last year, they participated in a similar competition in Camden. The project aims to unite youth from diverse backgrounds, highlighting Israel’s multicultural society and dispelling myths about Arabs in Israel. Many attendees expressed surprise at the diversity present, with Milch noting that some were unaware that Arab communities exist within Israel.
The evening featured support from the World Boxing Council (WBC), which lent credibility to the event. Milch highlighted boxing’s unique ability to foster respect and camaraderie among competitors, stating, “The respect you have for yourself once you’ve been in the ring brings you together in a powerful way.”
A special guest, undefeated professional boxer Alireza Ghadiri, attended the event and presented the Alexander Mashkevitch Award for Boxer of the Night to young Arab Israeli fighter Mahmoud Majid, the youngest participant at just 13 years old. Majid hails from Makr, a small village in northern Israel, and impressed the audience with his skills.
British boxer Charles Whitewood, 25, who trained at Honour and Glory Boxing Club in southeast London, noted the positive atmosphere, stating, “We traded punches instead of words, which brought us closer than words ever could.” He described his Israeli opponent as “really nice and respectful,” reflecting the event’s spirit of brotherhood.
The live-streamed event attracted significant attention, allowing viewers worldwide to witness this historic moment of unity. The success of the “Gloves and Doves” initiative underscores the transformative power of sports in bridging cultural divides.
As the boxing community continues to rally behind these efforts, the next steps for the initiative will involve expanding awareness and participation. For ongoing updates and to support the movement, follow the Gloves and Doves team on their Instagram page and sign up for their community newsletter.
This event serves as a testament to the potential for sports to foster dialogue and understanding across cultural boundaries, reminding us all of the vital importance of unity in today’s world.
