UPDATE: An inspiring showdown unfolded on July 15, 2023, as a multifaith Israeli boxing team faced off against British competitors at the JW3 cultural centre in London. This event, known as “Gloves and Doves,” highlighted the message of unity and peace amidst ongoing tensions surrounding Zionism.
Young Jewish and Muslim boxers, including two Muslims and four Jews, showcased their skills in the ring, adorned with Israeli flags and messages of solidarity in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. “We are here for peace, we are here for unity,” proclaimed Tony Milch, founder of Gloves and Doves, reflecting the ethos of this unique initiative.
The event, which attracted attention from the World Boxing Council (WBC), aimed to dispel misconceptions about Israel as a multicultural society. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the coexistence of different faiths in Israel, as Milch noted, “They come up to us after saying, ‘We never knew.’”
The evening featured emotional moments, including the recognition of Mahmoud Majid, a 13-year-old Arab Israeli boxer, who received the Alexander Mashkevitch Award for his outstanding performance. This award honors an interfaith activist and supporter of Gloves and Doves who passed away earlier this year.
The event also welcomed special guest Alireza Ghadiri, known as Razor Ali, an undefeated professional boxer of Iranian descent, who engaged with fighters and presented awards. The atmosphere was electric, with boxers emphasizing the respect built through competition. British competitor Charles Whitewood shared, “We traded punches instead of words, which brought us closer than words ever could.”
With the support of the WBC, this marked the second time young Israeli boxers have competed in the UK, following last year’s event in Camden. Milch’s vision is clear: to bring youth from diverse backgrounds together to foster understanding and change perceptions about Israel.
As boxing continues to resonate across cultures, the Gloves and Doves initiative is proving to be a powerful tool for building bridges and promoting peace. The next steps for the team will focus on expanding their outreach and continuing to engage audiences both in Israel and abroad.
Stay updated on their journey by following the Gloves and Doves team on Instagram and subscribing to their community newsletter. The movement is gaining momentum, and the world is watching.
