A man seen stomping on an Israeli flag and making the Nazi salute during the Boston Marathon is being called out for his actions, which runners say “crossed the line.”
The Anti-Defamation League of New England says it “strongly condemns the antisemitic harassment” seen at an early location of the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.
Samantha Joseph, a regional director for ADL New England, has brought to light reports of the spectator who “targeted runners perceived to be Jewish or Israeli with Nazi salutes, stomped on an Israeli flag, and made references to Hitler’s birthday.”
Last Monday’s 130th running of the Boston Marathon fell on April 20, Hitler’s birthday.
“The Boston Marathon is a cherished tradition that celebrates human achievement, community and resilience,” Joseph said in a statement released on Friday. “It is a day when people of all backgrounds come together to support one another and honor the strength of the human spirit. This vile display of antisemitism has no place at the marathon or anywhere in our communities.”
“This incident is part of a deeply troubling trend of rising antisemitism across the United States that demands our collective condemnation and action,” Joseph added. “We call on all community leaders, public officials and individuals of goodwill to stand together against antisemitism and all forms of hate.”
Shortly after the ADL New England posted a release on the incident across its social media, the Boston Athletic Association followed with its own statement. The marathon race organizer did not specify the actions.
“The Boston Marathon is an event that brings together athletes, volunteers, spectators, and community members from around the world,” the B.A.A. stated on social media. “There is no place for hatred of any kind at the Boston Marathon or in running.”
“It is a day which celebrates the triumph of the human spirit, hard work, and the pursuit of goals,” the B.A.A. added.
News Nation ran a segment on the incident featuring footage that a runner filmed as she ran past the man, dressed in a black jacket and hat, and what appears to be a Kampfbinde, a red arm band that was a key symbol of Nazi Germany.
News Nation added that runners reported the man to police and race organizers, but no response was taken.
Some runners who participated in the marathon are reacting to the incident, including Yoel Levy, who goes by the name “The Jewish Fitness Coach” on Instagram.
Levy, 27, who completed the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston in 4 hours, 27 seconds, said that the situation not only upset him and fellow Jewish runners but also a lot of non-Jewish runners.
The actions, around mile five, “crossed the line” of what marathons represent – the unity of runners and spectators from around the world, Levy said in a video posted on Instagram on Saturday.
“If it was any other flag,” Levy said, “this would have made news the day after the marathon, not half a week after the marathon. … For some reason, because it’s an Israel flag, people are like, ‘Yeah, OK.’”
“You can have your opinions,” he added, “but the gesture, the prop, was a hate message.”