"Our story is hope for all humanity": The closing of the circle for the Israeli and Iranian judoka

At times, Saeid Mollaei does not believe he is on Israeli soil as a free man. He walks slowly along the beach in Netanya, cherishing this moment, bending down occasionally to the damp sand to collect seashells as a souvenir for his children from a trip he will not forget. Sagi Muki notices the excitement of his friend, who arrived in the country to hold a demonstration match with him yesterday — thereby closing a seven-year circle since the 2019 World Championship, which prevented the two from meeting on the competition mat.

Muki recounts how he was thrilled to welcome Mollaei at the airport and to hear him say that he could come here despite being Iranian, noting that there are many more like him who share that desire. "He told me he is lucky," says the retired judoka. "Saeid was here in the past for the 2021 Tel Aviv Grand Slam, but due to COVID, he couldn't do much. Now the situation is different, and everything is calm. He joined my parents for a meal, and we danced to Persian music. It was an amazing experience. In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined sitting at home with Saeid, laughing and enjoying life. It is a victory for both of us after everything we have been through."

Mollaei recalls his earlier visits to Israel and the warmth and love he received from the local public. "People from the Persian community living here supported me, and not only them. I remember after my silver medal at the Masters in Jerusalem in December 2022, people approached me to say what an honor it was for them. Now that I am here again, I cannot express how happy I am."