Olympics 2026: Boos for Israel, Cheers for Ukraine at Opening Ceremony
- The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is traditionally a celebration of the Olympic spirit and the athletes who embody it.
- The entrance of the Israeli delegation into the San Siro Stadium on Friday evening was met with audible boos and whistles from sections of the crowd.
- However, the atmosphere differed significantly at the simultaneous opening ceremony held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the four venues hosting events.
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is traditionally a celebration of the Olympic spirit and the athletes who embody it. But at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, that celebration was punctuated by political statements, with boos directed at both the Israeli team and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Amidst the controversy, the Ukrainian team received a particularly rousing ovation, a clear demonstration of support in the face of ongoing conflict.
The entrance of the Israeli delegation into the San Siro Stadium on Friday evening was met with audible boos and whistles from sections of the crowd. This reaction echoed similar displays of protest seen at the Eurovision Song Contest, where participants from Israel faced criticism related to their government’s actions in Gaza. According to journalist Giovanni di Lorenzo, commenting for ARD, Italy has a strong history of being critical of Israel.
However, the atmosphere differed significantly at the simultaneous opening ceremony held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the four venues hosting events. There, the Israeli team was reportedly met with cheers, suggesting a regional variation in sentiment.
The boos weren’t limited to the Israeli team. As U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance appeared on the stadium’s Jumbotron, a chorus of disapproval erupted from the audience. This reaction appears to stem from ongoing political turmoil within the United States, specifically regarding the policies of the Trump administration and concerns over federal immigration enforcement. Protests against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the Games had already taken place in Milan prior to the ceremony, though a U.S. Olympic official confirmed that ICE agents were not officially part of the country’s delegation.
The chilly reception for Vance followed reports that analysts linked to ICE would be supporting the U.S. Delegation, a common practice at previous Olympic Games. The U.S. Team itself, however, was warmly welcomed, with cheers ringing out as the athletes paraded into the stadium in their Ralph Lauren uniforms. Speed skater Erin Jackson proudly carried the American flag, leading the team under the Olympic rings.
In a symbolic gesture, the U.S. Team’s designated “Ice House” was rebranded as “Winter House,” a move widely interpreted as a response to the protests surrounding ICE’s potential involvement. This change, while not officially explained, signaled a sensitivity to the concerns raised by demonstrators.
Amidst the political undercurrents, the Ukrainian team received a particularly enthusiastic response, both in Milan and Cortina. The delegation, representing a nation severely impacted by Russia’s nearly four-year-old invasion, was greeted with a rousing ovation. Skeleton pilot Wladislaw Heraskewitsch, the Ukrainian flag bearer in Cortina, emphasized the significance of their participation, stating, “We should understand that We see an extremely difficult time in Ukraine and that In other words even more honor and responsibility for me.” He added, “Sport is important, but people’s lives are even more important, so continue to support Ukraine.”
The opening ceremony, themed “Armonia” – meaning “Harmony” – aimed to promote unity and understanding. While the event largely succeeded in showcasing the inspiring power of sport, it also demonstrated that the Olympic Games are not immune to the political realities of the world. The boos directed at the Israeli team and Vice President Vance served as stark reminders of the complex geopolitical landscape, while the outpouring of support for Ukraine highlighted the enduring power of empathy and solidarity.
The Parade of Nations, held across multiple venues – Milan, Livigno, Predazzo, and Cortina – allowed for a broader representation of athletes and a more decentralized celebration. Bobsledder Frank Del Duca carried the American flag in Cortina, while Erin Jackson led the team in Milan. The U.S. Was the third-to-last country to enter the stadium, preceding France, the host of the Winter Games, and Italy.