“Supporting ‘Genocide’”: Swiss Broadcaster Attacks Israeli Olympian During Live Olympic Coverage

A Swiss sports commentator sparked controversy Monday after accusing Israeli bobsleigh captain Adam Edelman of supporting “genocide in Gaza” during a live broadcast of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.

The remarks were delivered on Swiss public broadcaster Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) by commentator Stefan Renna as Edelman and teammate Menachem Chen began their two-man run. Israel’s team is making its first-ever Olympic appearance in bobsleigh, marking a historic milestone for the country in the Winter Games.

During the broadcast, Renna described Edelman as competing in his first Olympic Games and said he had defined himself as a “Zionist to the core.” He continued: “He posted several messages on social media in support of genocide in Gaza.”

Renna added, “It is worth remembering that genocide is the term used by the UN Commission of Inquiry,” before quoting Edelman as having said that Israel’s military campaign was “the most morally just war in history.”

The commentator then questioned how Edelman was permitted to compete, referencing previous statements by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that athletes who actively supported war would not be eligible to participate. He drew a comparison to Russian athletes who were barred from competition over expressions of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Edelman responded publicly following the broadcast. “I am aware of the diatribe the commentator directed towards the Israeli Bobsled Team on the Swiss Olympics broadcast today,” he wrote. He emphasized the circumstances under which Israel’s team reached the Games. “No coach with us. No big program. Just a dream, grit, and unyielding pride in who we represent.” 

“We look forward to our final 2-man run and then crushing the 4-man event, our specialty,” Edelman added.

Hours after the controversy spread on social media, the Israeli Olympic Committee issued a formal response rejecting the remarks. 

“The Olympic Committee of Israel firmly rejects the statements made during the live broadcast. These were one-sided, political, and inciting remarks that have no place in Olympic coverage,” the committee said.

“Adam Edelman meets all criteria set by the International Olympic Committee and is fully eligible to compete. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is baseless.”

Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar condemned the broadcast, stating: “It is unacceptable that broadcasters around the world disgrace Israeli athletes and portray them as supporters of genocide.”

As of publication, the International Olympic Committee has not issued a public response to the incident.

Israel’s bobsleigh team, competing under the name “Shul Runnings,” is scheduled to continue its Olympic campaign later this week as the Games proceed under heightened political scrutiny.