UPDATE: In a powerful display of unity, a multifaith boxing team from Israel faced off against British boxers at the “Gloves and Doves” event in London last week. This initiative showcases the very essence of Israel as a multicultural society, highlighting the collaboration between young Jewish and Muslim athletes in a sports environment that promotes peace and understanding.
The event, held at the JW3 cultural centre, featured an Israeli team composed of two Muslims and four Jews, who stepped into the ring to counteract misconceptions surrounding Israeli identity. “We are here for peace, we are here for unity,” declared Tony Milch, the founder of Gloves and Doves and a dual national with roots in both the UK and Israel. The atmosphere was charged with Israeli flags and messages of solidarity written in English, Arabic, and Hebrew.
This marks the second consecutive year that the young Israeli boxers have traveled to the UK for this event, which aims to dismantle stereotypes and foster relationships between different communities. Milch emphasized that many attendees are unaware of the diverse Arab presence in Israel, stating, “They come up to us after saying, ‘We never knew.’” This initiative aims to change perceptions one interaction at a time.
With the support of the World Boxing Council (WBC), the event was not only a competition but also a platform for cultural exchange. Milch highlighted boxing’s “transformative” power, noting its popularity among both Jewish and Arab communities in Israel. The respect gained from stepping into the ring together fosters camaraderie, he explained.
The evening featured a special guest appearance by Alireza Ghadiri, an undefeated professional boxer of Iranian descent, who engaged with the fighters and presented the Alexander Mashkevitch Award to Mahmoud Majid, a 13-year-old Arab Israeli from Makr, for his outstanding performance. Majid, the youngest participant of the night, demonstrated remarkable skill and potential.
British competitor Charles Whitewood, 25, who trains at the Honour and Glory Boxing Club in London, expressed the profound experience of competing in a WBC-sanctioned event. “We didn’t trade many words, we traded punches instead, which brought us closer than words ever could,” Whitewood remarked. His opponent, he noted, was “really nice and respectful,” reinforcing the evening’s theme of unity.
As the boxing community continues to rally around the message of peace, the Gloves and Doves initiative is gaining traction. Followers can stay updated through their Instagram page, as this event proves to be more than just a sporting occasion—it’s a movement aiming to close cultural gaps and foster respect among different faiths.
The positive atmosphere at the event was palpable, with Whitewood stating, “There’s a lot of love in boxing, and it was felt that night. We were brothers.” The next steps for Gloves and Doves include expanding their events and furthering their mission of inclusivity in sports.
As the world watches, this unique initiative stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how sports can transcend barriers and create a more connected society. The journey of Gloves and Doves is just beginning, and the impact could change narratives around cultural coexistence in Israel and beyond.
