URGENT UPDATE: An inspiring event took place on July 15, 2023, as young Jewish and Muslim boxers from Israel showcased their unity in a gripping boxing match against British competitors at the JW3 cultural centre in London. Dubbed “Gloves and Doves,” this initiative aims to challenge the narrative that “Zionism is racism” by highlighting the multicultural fabric of Israel.
The Israeli team, consisting of two Muslims and four Jews, fought not only for victory but also for the vital message of peace and togetherness. Under the banner of unity, athletes wore clothing emblazoned with “fight for peace” in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. “We are here for peace, we are here for unity,” stated Tony Milch, founder of Gloves and Doves and a dual national from the UK.
This event was the second consecutive year that young Israeli boxers traveled to the UK to participate, demonstrating their commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue through sport. “Many attendees are surprised to learn that there are Arabs in Israel,” Milch noted, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and building bridges. The live-streamed event, which received the backing of the World Boxing Council (WBC), featured a diverse audience that witnessed the transformative power of boxing.
Among the highlights was the recognition of Mahmoud Majid, a 13-year-old Arab Israeli from Makr, who received the Alexander Mashkevitch Award for boxer of the night. This award honors the late Israeli-Kazakh businessman and interfaith activist who supported the Gloves and Doves initiative.
British boxer Charles Whitewood, who has been boxing for over 15 years, reflected on his experience, stating, “We traded punches instead of words, which brought us closer than words ever could.” He described the atmosphere as “very positive,” adding, “There’s a lot of love in boxing, and it was felt that night.”
The event, organized to promote understanding and camaraderie among different faiths, aims to redefine perceptions about Israel as a multicultural society. “If we can change one mind at a time, we’ll have accomplished what we set out to do,” Milch concluded.
For more updates on community initiatives like Gloves and Doves, follow their Instagram page or subscribe to their free community newsletter. As these young athletes continue to fight for peace, the world watches closely, hoping for a future where differences unite rather than divide.
