Approximately three weeks after the broadcast of a severe antisemitic incident involving former Hapoel Kfar Saba footballers Tom Shelach and Almog Ochayon during filming for the Israeli reality show "The Race for a Million" in Montenegro, the duo has received an outpouring of surprising support from as far away as Brazil.
During one of the challenges in Montenegro, the pair, who wore green as a tribute to their shared history with Hapoel Kfar Saba, were asked where they were from. Upon responding that they were from Israel, they were met with curses and obscene gestures from one of the locals, an episode that sparked widespread reactions in Israel.
The incident, now transcending Israel's borders, prompted Almog Ochayon to share supportive messages he received on his Instagram story. Ochayon posted a screenshot of a private message, captioning it: "Well, the post about that shitty antisemite keeps rolling… Meanwhile, I'm closing peace deals for us with countries! And this time Brazil."
The message was from a woman named Isabel, who wrote: "My name is Isabel and I come from a Christian family. I want you to know that in my country there are millions who love you Jews and Israelis and your culture. You are welcome and wanted in my country, Brazil. God bless you brother. Where my Jewish brother is not wanted, I won't be either. Am Yisrael Chai."
Ochayon followed up with another response confirming Isabel's sentiments. The commenter stated: "She is right about that, I am a Jew who grew up in Brazil and have been to every corner of the country and met thousands of amazing souls, so I can confirm that indeed most Brazilians love Israel and the Jews."
The positive backlash highlights a stark contrast to the antisemitic encounter in Montenegro, transforming the duo's experience into an unexpected platform for international solidarity. Shelach and Ochayon, known from their time at Hapoel Kfar Saba, have become stars of the show amid the controversy.
As reactions continue to pour in, the incident underscores the global reach of such events, turning a moment of hostility into a testament to widespread support for Israel and its people.
