UPDATE: In a groundbreaking display of unity and sportsmanship, a multifaith boxing team from Israel took to the ring last night at the JW3 cultural centre in London. This urgent event, part of the Gloves and Doves initiative, aimed to combat misconceptions about Israel as a diverse nation through the universal language of boxing.
The matchup featured a diverse team of young Israeli boxers, consisting of two Muslims and four Jews, competing against British opponents in front of a packed crowd. The event, held on July 15, 2023, was decorated with Israeli flags and messages of peace in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. “We are here for peace, we are here for unity,” said Tony Milch, founder of the initiative and a British-Israeli dual national.
Milch emphasized the transformative power of boxing, stating, “The respect you have for yourself once you’ve been in the ring brings you together in a powerful way.” The event, officially sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC), sought to showcase Israel as a multicultural society that embraces all faiths.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Alexander Mashkevitch Award, named after a late supporter of the Gloves and Doves initiative. The award was given to Mahmoud Majid, a 13-year-old Arab Israeli and the youngest participant of the night, who impressed audiences with his skill.
British boxer Charles Whitewood, who won his bout against an Israeli opponent, remarked on the camaraderie built through the sport. “We didn’t trade many words; we traded punches instead, which brought us closer than words ever could,” he said. His positive experience was echoed by other participants, who noted the atmosphere of love and mutual respect throughout the night.
Milch highlighted the importance of educating the world about Israel’s diverse community. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the presence of Arabs in Israel, demonstrating the initiative’s potential to bridge cultural gaps. “If we can change one mind at a time, we’ll have accomplished what we set out to do,” he stated.
As the night concluded, the energy in the room was palpable, with both Israeli and British boxers celebrating their shared passion for the sport. The Gloves and Doves team continues to grow, inviting all faiths and backgrounds to join in their mission of peace through sport.
To stay updated on future events and initiatives from Gloves and Doves, follow their journey on Instagram and subscribe to their community newsletter. The transformative power of boxing is not just in the ring but in building bridges across cultures.
This compelling event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for unity and understanding in today’s world, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
