More than 500 enthusiastic fans gathered on Monday night at the Ben Gurion Airport to welcome back Israeli judokas Yarden Gerbi and Or Sasson, who won bronze medals at the Rio Olympics.
Even the Israeli athletes could not believe their eyes when they saw the hundreds of people who joined their family, friends and relatives who arrived at the airport to welcome them back.
Gerbi, who won Israel's eighth Olympic medal ever, said, “Seeing this crowd was worth everything. There was a rumor that there were going to be a lot of people here, but I never imagined it would be like this. This is pride. I thank everyone, it's fun that people appreciate this accomplishment."
Gerbi won her bronze medal early last week after defeating Japan's Miku Tashiro in the women's Judo under 63 kg category.
Sasson's medal came on Friday, after he won a consolation round in the men's 100 kilogram plus weight class.
Sasson defeated Cuban Alex Garcia Mendoza, shortly after losing a semifinal match to world champion Teddy Riner.