Israeli Bobsled Team Robbed Ahead of Milan Winter Games

IFCJ Canada  |  February 13, 2026

The Olympians representing Israel made their debut this past week at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. The festive and upbeat atmosphere abruptly shifted when San Siro Stadium erupted into boos as the team was introduced.

But the team was not deterred and began training the following day, hopeful of winning Israel its first-ever Winter Olympic medal. However, the team would again be tested.

The Times of Israel reported that the bobsled team’s apartment was robbed over the weekend, with passports and thousands of dollars’ worth of training gear and other items stolen. Despite the incident, the team continued training as local police opened an investigation. Team Captain AJ Edelman described the crime as a “gross violation” but praised the team for exemplifying a resilient spirit by returning immediately to training.

The Olympic Committee of Israel did not have any immediate comment.

Israel is competing in bobsled at the Olympics for the first time, having qualified after Britain decided not to take one of its two allocated spots for Milan Cortina. Israel was next in line and accepted the offer to compete when the last Olympic slots opened.

When reached by AP, Edelman said he was in Italy, not at the site of the robbery. He said team coach Itamar Shprinz, an Israeli CrossFit athlete, was there, but it was unclear whether Shprinz actually witnessed the robbery or was nearby when it occurred.

IFCJ Canada and our supporters pray for these athletes as they pursue Israel’s first Winter Olympic medal.