Rez expressed her outrage in an interview, stating, “This was akin to Al Jazeera, a puppet media broadcast and a European television network. It was completely inappropriate. We firmly believe that Stefan needs to be fired, and his network must apologize.”
In light of the backlash, the station responded that, while the duration of Lena’s remarks may have been seen as inappropriate within a sports context, they have removed that segment from their website.
Rez further called upon the International Olympic Committee to intervene and emphasize that political commentary, particularly targeting the only Jewish state, is fundamentally incorrect and unacceptable. She reflected on the issues surrounding current events, saying, “Unless we legislate consequences, this will only continue… because these platforms and events are massive and attract large audiences.”
She elaborated that discussing the Israel-Gaza situation during an Olympic bobsled run—where athletes reach speeds over 100 miles per hour—was inappropriate. “There are numerous occasions to discuss such topics. This moment wasn’t one of them. Instead of focusing on the sport, he chose to comment on the unfortunate isolation and scrutiny faced by Israel and its team captain, which was entirely out of place,” she noted.
The International Olympic Committee has recently faced scrutiny after selling T-shirts featuring controversial Nazi propaganda that quickly sold out, highlighting growing tensions around political statements within sports.
Rez criticized the IOC’s choices and pointed out the recent rise in anti-Semitism, particularly since October 7, 2023, asserting its implications in sports contexts. She stated, “The veneer of anti-Semitism has been stripped away. It’s becoming normalized in certain areas, and it could bleed into the sports world.” She urged the IOC and other sports organizations to take a strong stand against such behavior to prevent its recurrence, calling the situation entirely unacceptable.
To Jewish athletes dealing with ongoing anti-Semitic remarks, she offered a supportive message: “Remember, millions of people are cheering for you. Hold your head high, be proud, and give it your all. We’re here for you.”
