Wrestling is one of the oldest and most popular sports in Israel, with the country boasting some of the best wrestlers in the world.
From Olympic medalists to world champions, Israel has produced a long line of talented grapplers that have made a name for themselves both in the ring and in the international wrestling community.
We will take a look at some of the best wrestlers in Israel who have made their mark on the sport. From Olympic gold medalists to Israeli champions, these athletes have left their mark on the sport and have become household names in Israel.
1. Nik Zagranitchni
Nik Zagranitchni is an Israeli Olympic wrestler who has made a great impact on the wrestling world. He is Jewish and was born in Ukraine. In early 1991, he made Aliyah, the process in which Jews immigrate to Israel.
This event is seen as a sign of reverence and respect for the Jewish faith and nation. Nik is no stranger to success as a wrestler. He has won multiple medals in international competitions, including a gold medal in the European Championships in 2004.
He has also represented Israel in the Olympic Games, achieving a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics. His journey to Israel was made possible due to the Law of Return, a law that allows Jews to migrate to Israel and obtain citizenship.
This law is highly important as it allows Jewish people to have a safe home and a place to practice their religion freely. Although Nik is a successful athlete, he is also a great advocate for the Jewish people and Israel.
He is an ambassador for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he often participates in events that help to promote the country and its people.
Nik Zagranitchni is an inspiration to many people around the world and a great example of what it means to be a successful athlete and a proud Israeli.
He is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish people, and his story is a reminder of the importance of making Aliyah and practicing one’s faith in a safe and secure place.
2. Alexander Davidovich
Alexander Davidovich is an accomplished Israeli wrestler who had the honor of representing his country in the Olympic Games. He was born in Kharkiv, a city located in the Soviet Union, before emigrating to Israel in 1991.
Since then, he has become one of the most successful wrestlers in Israel, having won numerous competitions and medals. Alexander Davidovich has a deep connection to his past and his place of birth, which is evident in his style of wrestling.
He is known for combining traditional Russian wrestling techniques with newer, more modern ones, as well as for his impressive strength and endurance.
This blend of techniques has allowed him to be successful both in his homeland and abroad. Alexander has also been an important figure in the Israeli wrestling community, having served as a coach and mentor to aspiring wrestlers.
He is passionate about the sport and has been a key figure in the development of Israeli wrestling.
His influence can be seen in the success of the Israeli wrestling team, which has won multiple medals in the Olympics. Overall, Alexander Davidovich is an important figure in the wrestling world and has made a significant impact on the sport in Israel.
His dedication to the sport and his passion for the history and culture of his home country have been inspiring to many. He is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.
3. Matwai Baranov
Matwai Baranov is an Israeli former Olympic wrestler who made his mark in the sports world. Born in Israel, Baranov began his athletic career at a young age, competing in various local and regional tournaments.
He eventually rose to the top, becoming the first Israeli wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. Baranov competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, where he finished in 22nd place.
After the Olympics, he returned to Israel and continued to compete in international tournaments, becoming an Israeli icon in the wrestling world. Baranov has since retired from active competition, but he still works as a coach and ambassador for Israeli wrestling.
He has been praised for his efforts in promoting the sport in Israel and helping to develop athletes in the region. He is truly an inspiration to all aspiring wrestlers in the country.
4. Rami Miron
Rami Miron is an Israeli athlete who had a great career as an Olympic wrestler. He was born in Israel and began his wrestling career in 1999. He competed in the Olympics in 2000 and 2004, representing Israel in the Greco-Roman wrestling category.
Miron was a successful wrestler, winning medals in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He won a bronze medal in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and a silver medal in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
In addition to his Olympic medals, Miron also won several other international medals, including a silver medal at the 2007 European Championships and a gold medal at the 2009 Mediterranean Games.
Miron was a great ambassador for his sport and country, inspiring many other wrestlers in Israel to take up the sport. He was also an advocate for wrestling in the Middle East, using his fame and success to spread awareness of the sport in the region.
After retiring from the sport in 2010, Miron continued to be involved in the sport, coaching and serving as a motivational speaker. He also wrote a book about his experiences as a wrestler, which was released in 2014.
Rami Miron is a great example of what can be achieved in the sport of wrestling, and his success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers in Israel and around the world.
5. Evan Bernstein
Evan Bernstein is a unique individual. He is an Israeli-American, which means he is from both Israel and the United States. He was a wrestler for the Olympics, representing his home country of Israel.
He was a very successful wrestler, and he was able to compete on the world stage. He was a champion for both his country and himself, and he was able to make a name for himself in the world of international wrestling.
His success is an inspiration to many, and he is an example of the power of hard work and determination. He is a reminder that anything can be accomplished with the right attitude and support.
6. Dov Groverman
Dov Groverman is an impressive athlete who has achieved great success in the world of Olympic wrestling. A native of Israel, he is also a member of the Jewish faith. Groverman first got involved in wrestling at a young age, and quickly found success in the sport.
He won several medals in international competitions and was eventually selected to represent his home country at the Olympics. Groverman competed in several Olympic Games, ultimately winning a bronze medal in the 1996 Summer Games.
He is remembered as one of the best Israeli wrestlers in the history of the sport. After retiring from competitive wrestling, Groverman devoted his time to coaching, and today he is one of the most successful coaches in the field.
He is a great example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success.
7. Eliezer Halfin
Eliezer Halfin was a Latvian-born wrestler and a member of the Israeli Olympic team at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. On 5 September 1972, he and 10 other athletes and coaches were taken hostage by a Palestinian terrorist group called Black September.
Despite international efforts to negotiate their release, the hostages were brutally murdered by the terrorists. This event, known as the Munich Massacre, shocked the world and was remembered as a tragic reminder of the effects of terrorism.
Eliezer Halfin’s life was cut tragically short by the horrific act of violence, but his memory lives on. His death was a devastating loss for the Israeli Olympic team and the nation of Israel as a whole.
He was honored by the Israeli government, which named a street in Jerusalem after him, and his name is inscribed on the memorial to the victims of the Munich Massacre.
Eliezer Halfin’s story serves as a reminder to us all of the tragedy that can result from violence and terrorism. His death serves as a stark reminder of the need for peace and understanding between nations.
We must never forget the victims of terrorism and the heartbreaking stories of those, like Eliezer Halfin, whose lives were cut short by senseless acts of violence.
8. Rafael Halperin
Rafael Halperin was a remarkable man with a variety of interests and talents. He was born in Austria, but later made his home in Israel. He was an Orthodox rabbi and was also involved in business.
He was an avid athlete, participating in both professional wrestling and bodybuilding. In his professional wrestling career, Halperin was known for his agility and strength. He competed in a variety of matches, including singles and tag team events.
His athleticism and power made him a formidable opponent, and he was often seen as a crowd favorite. Halperin also had a passion for bodybuilding. He was able to maintain his weight and muscle mass while still remaining agile and strong.
He often took part in competitions and was able to show off his impressive physique. Rafael Halperin was an impressive figure who was able to excel in multiple fields.
His passion for athletics and bodybuilding were evident in his achievements, and he was a respected figure in the Orthodox Jewish community. He was a role model for many, and his life serves as an inspiration to those who seek to pursue their dreams.
9. Tomer Shalom
Tomer Shalom is a well-known Israeli professional wrestler. He started his career in Israel, but soon after, he decided to travel to Canada to be trained by Rob Fuego. Rob Fuego is a highly experienced and successful wrestler, having won multiple championships.
Fuego’s training style was intense and focused on the physical, mental, and technical aspects of wrestling.
Through this training, Tomer was able to hone his skills and become a more complete wrestler. Fuego also taught Tomer how to make use of his natural talents and abilities and how to create a unique style of wrestling.
By combining his natural athleticism with Fuego’s teachings, Tomer was able to become a much more complete wrestler. He was able to combine his strength, agility, and speed with the technical skills he had learned from Rob Fuego.
This allowed Tomer to become a very successful wrestler, as he has gone on to win multiple championships. Tomer Shalom is a great example of an athlete who has taken the time to hone his skills and become a complete wrestler.
Through his hard work and dedication, he was able to learn from one of the best in the business and become a successful wrestler. Tomer’s success in the wrestling world is a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes like him who strive to reach their goals.
10. Ilana Kratysh
Ilana Kratysh is an Israeli freestyle wrestler who has achieved success in her sport. She has found herself on the podium at the 2012 Grand Prix Wrestling tournament in Belarus, where she earned third place.
This accomplishment is particularly impressive considering the strength of the competition at this event. The Grand Prix Wrestling tournament in Belarus hosts some of the best wrestlers in the world, and to place third at this level is truly a remarkable feat.
Kratysh’s success speaks to her commitment to excellence and dedication to her craft. Her impressive performances in this tournament and in her other competitive endeavors demonstrate her drive and ambition.
It is no surprise that she has become one of the top wrestlers in her country.
11. Noam Dar
Noam Dar is a Scottish professional wrestler who is currently signed to WWE. He is a part of the NXT brand, where he is the leader of The Meta-Four stable and is also the current NXT Heritage Cup Champion in his record-setting third reign.
Dar is an incredibly accomplished wrestler, having achieved success in multiple promotions. Not only is he signed to WWE, but he also wrestles for the Scottish promotion Insane Championship Wrestling, where he has achieved a great deal of success.
His accomplishments have earned him a great deal of respect and admiration in the wrestling world, and he is well-known for his skill and dedication.
12. Lior Ben-David
Leeor Brooks, also known as “The Chutzpah” Lior Ben-David, is an Israeli-British professional wrestler and stand-up comedian. He is renowned for his work on the European independent wrestling circuit.
Born in Israel, he moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his career as a professional wrestler. He quickly gained popularity and notoriety as a wrestler for his unique and daring techniques.
He also earned a name for himself in the stand-up comedy circuit and has performed in numerous shows across Europe. Leeor Brooks is widely regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers on the European independent wrestling circuit.
His signature wrestling style is marked by his remarkable ability to combine strength, agility, and showmanship. His performances often feature jaw-dropping stunts and gravity-defying acrobatics.
He is also known for his impeccable comedic timing, which often leaves his audience in stitches. In addition to his wrestling career, Leeor Brooks is also an accomplished stand-up comedian.
He has performed at some of the most prestigious comedy clubs across Europe and is known for his witty and hilarious jokes.
He often includes elements of his wrestling career in his stand-up routines, which further endear him to his audience. Leeor Brooks is an inspiring and unique figure in the world of professional wrestling and stand-up comedy.
His bold and daring moves in the ring, coupled with his impeccable comedic timing, make him a true force to be reckoned with.
He continues to entertain audiences across Europe with his captivating performances and is sure to continue to make his mark on the professional wrestling and comedy scene for years to come.
13. Gocha Tsitsiashvili
Gocha Tsitsiashvili is a retired Israeli Greco-Roman wrestler who had a remarkable career in the amateur wrestling scene.
He competed in the men’s light heavyweight category, which is the weight class for wrestlers who are between 74 and 82 kilograms. He began his wrestling career in the early 2000s and achieved much success throughout his years of competing.
He represented Israel in several international tournaments and achieved great results for his country.
He won several medals at the European Championships and was a finalist at the 2005 World Championships. Throughout his career, Gocha Tsitsiashvili consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill and commitment to the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling.
He was known for his athleticism and strength in the ring, as well as his determination and dedication to the sport.
His success at the international level helped to raise the profile of Israeli wrestling and he earned much respect from his peers and fans of the sport. Gocha Tsitsiashvili decided to retire from amateur wrestling in 2017, after having achieved so much success in the sport.
His legacy and impact on the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling will live on, and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
14. Michael Beilin
Michael Beilin is a renowned and highly accomplished athlete. He was born in Israel and is a former Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler.
He is considered one of the greatest Greco-Roman wrestlers of all time and has achieved tremendous success in his career. Beilin began his wrestling career in Israel, where he trained in the Greco-Roman style.
He went on to compete in various international competitions, such as the European Championships and the World Championships. His most impressive accomplishment was winning a gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
In addition to this, he has also earned several other medals and awards throughout his career. Beilin has also acted as a coach and mentor to many aspiring wrestlers.
He has provided guidance to young wrestlers from around the world, helping them to develop their skills and hone their technique.
He is also a strong advocate for the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling, often speaking out in favor of the sport and advocating for its promotion. Michael Beilin is a true inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and a testament to the hard work and dedication required to become a world-class athlete.
His commitment to the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling is an example of the kind of dedication and passion required to reach the highest level in any sport. He is a true champion and an inspiration to all.
15. Yuri Evseichik
Yuri Evseichik is a retired amateur Israeli Greco-Roman wrestler. Greco-Roman wrestling is an ancient form of wrestling that originated in France in the 19th century.
It is distinct from freestyle wrestling in that it forbids holds below the waist and emphasizes the use of the upper body to control an opponent. Yuri competed in the men’s super heavyweight category, which is the highest weight class for amateur Greco-Roman wrestling.
As an amateur wrestler, he competed at the local, regional, and international levels, including at the Maccabiah Games – the third largest international sporting event in the world.
Over the course of his career, Yuri won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple medals in major tournaments. Now retired, he remains an inspirational figure for aspiring wrestlers in Israel and around the world.
16. Gad Tsobari
Gad Tsobari is an Israeli-born athlete who competed in the light-flyweight freestyle wrestling event at the 1972 Olympic Games. At the 1972 Olympics, Tsobari finished 12th in his event but was considered a potential medal-winning competitor for the 1976 Montreal Games.
Tsobari was an incredibly talented wrestler, and his potential was recognized by many in the wrestling world.
He was expected to be a top contender at the 1976 Olympic Games, and would likely have been a medal contender if not for the fact that the 1976 Olympics were boycotted by several nations in protest of the International Olympic Committee’s refusal to ban New Zealand from the Games due to their continued sporting links with apartheid South Africa.
Tsobari was one of many athletes whose Olympic dreams were crushed by the boycott, and he remains a respected figure in Israeli sports.
17. Mark Slavin
Mark Slavin was an Israeli Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler who tragically lost his life in the Munich Massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. He was the youngest of the victims, at only 18 years of age.
Slavin was among the nine Israeli athletes taken hostage by Palestinian attackers. During a failed rescue attempt, he was shot by machine gun fire while in a helicopter.
The Munich Massacre was a terrorist attack that occurred on the second day of the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. Eight members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September took nine Israeli athletes hostage in the Olympic Village.
After negotiations failed, a botched rescue attempt by German authorities resulted in the death of all nine hostages. Slavin was one of those hostages. The tragic death of Mark Slavin and the other eight Israeli athletes sent shockwaves around the world.
It was a stark reminder of the dangers of terrorism and a reminder to be ever-vigilant in the face of such threats. Slavin’s death was a great loss to the world of sports, and his memory will always be remembered.
18. Yasha Manasherov
Yasha Manasherov is a retired amateur Israeli Greco-Roman wrestler who competed in the men’s middleweight category. Greco-Roman wrestling is a discipline of wrestling that is contested worldwide and is practiced in the Olympic Games.
Greco-Roman wrestling is distinct from freestyle wrestling.
In Greco-Roman wrestling, the wrestlers are only allowed to attack their opponents above the waist and the movements and holds are more restricted. Manasherov was a successful wrestler in his day, having achieved a great deal of success at competitions such as the 2003 World Wrestling Championships in Créteil, France, where he finished eighth in the 74-kg division.
Manasherov also represented his home nation of Israel at the 2004 Summer Olympics, an achievement that is an incredible honor. Manasherov is now retired, but his legacy lives on. He is a great example of hard work and dedication to the sport of wrestling.
Not only did Manasherov achieve success in the world of amateur wrestling, but he also represented his country proudly at the Olympic Games. His accomplishments are an inspiration to wrestlers everywhere.
Conclusion
The best wrestling players in Israel are some of the most talented in the world, with many of them having won medals in international competitions.
They have shown great dedication and hard work to become the best in their field, and it is no surprise that they have achieved such success. No matter what the competition, these wrestlers have proven that they are worthy of being among the best in their sport.
