Who Works Out at a “Pro-Zionist Gym?”

Tensions between far-left and far-right groups playing out on the streets of Melbourne, Australia feature in The Age.

A central character in the story is one Avi Yemini, a former Israeli officer. According to The Age:

We wrote to the author of the story, Ebony Bowden, asking what exactly is a “pro-Zionist gym?” While Yemini may publicly state that he is pro-Israel (putting aside his other politics), that does not mean that his gyms can be politically labeled.

Perhaps he teaches Krav Maga, a form of Israeli self-defense in his gyms. Would a gym be labeled pro-Thai if kick boxing were taught there?

Zionism at its most basic is simply the belief in the right of the Jewish people to a sovereign state. People may be Zionists. Organizations may be Zionist. But a gym?

We asked if the journalist had any further information to show that Yemini’s gyms are places where political ideologies or religious beliefs are promoted.

This information was not forthcoming. The text, however, was amended and the “pro-Zionist” reference has been removed.

Gyms are for exercising the muscles. In this case, it looks like one journalist needed some exercise for the brain.

Featured image: CC-Wikipedia with changes by HonestReporting

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