Two things at least are certain about the Paris Olympics. We know that the Israeli team will be subject to vicious hatred. This is a fact of life whenever Israeli sportsmen and women compete or Israeli artists perform. But just as Eden Golan emerged from the vicious hatred on display at Eurovision in May with her head held high, so the Olympic team will comport themselves with dignity and resilience whatever they have to endure.

Newly elected hard-left politician Thomas Portes told an anti-Israel protest this week that “Israeli athletes are not welcome at the Olympic Games in Paris” and demanding that the crowd “mobilise.” There will be more of the same.

That is one reason why a memorial ceremony for the victims of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack, seen as likely to provide a focal point for antisemitic and anti-Israel protests, has been moved from the Olympic Village to a secret location.

Hatred is, however almost the least of it.

Specialist Shin Bet officers have arrived in Paris from Israel and there is also one of the largest French anti-terror operations ever. Appalling as the thought may be, it is obvious that the terrorist threat is high.

We must pray that the security measures work and that the games pass without incident.

It is grotesque that the largest sporting event on Earth should be sullied by hatred against Jews. This should be a wake up call to the world. 

Israelis will show their typical courage and dignity, but when will others do the same?