The First European Olympic Games are now on the lips of all those for whom sport is life. Thousands of athletes from dozens of countries have a few minutes before the start of their performance. They have never stopped working, day and night, thinking about their future successes, they are worrying in advance if something does not work out, putting all their hopes on the one and only moment when a dream is fulfilled, their plans must be implemented, their efforts must be met.
Welcoming Azerbaijan is preparing to receive its numerous guests. The press informs that the country and its government are doing everything possible for the Games to be held at the highest level. Huge amounts of money have been invested so the First European Games will be at the highest level, and we remember Azerbaijan knows how to do it, as it was done during the Eurovision-2012 song contest.
It would seem that there is nothing more righteous and innocent than the organization of international sports competitions and song contests that a country can make to promote peace between nations, to unite the youth, for development of good neighborly relations, and finally, the world to learn about one of the the most beautiful young countries, which gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Being in a state of war with Armenia, despite the fact that more than 20% of its territory is now under the occupation of this country, Azerbaijan has invited Armenian athletes to take part in the First European Olympic Games, because it is an ancient tradition that sport should be outside of politics, and that politicians should not interfere in the affairs of athletes. Sport and culture serve peace and friendship, not in words but in deeds, but, as recent events in the European Parliament show, many tend to use sport in order to implement their political intrigues.
We Israelis understand this better than anyone else. Since its formation, and throughout the years of the existence of Israel, the country has constantly been under sharp criticism in most countries and many international organizations. Israel came out with dignity from all the wars imposed on it over the years, turning the desert and swamps in its own home into a blooming garden, and the rapid economic progress of our country raised to unprecedented heights, which can be envied by many leading rich countries. So they are envious.
Envy is the motivator of all those who "put a spoke in the wheel" of the young Republic of Azerbaijan, because it is difficult to reconcile with its untold wealth, with its incredible economic opportunities, with the fact that being in a state of war, the country is consistently moving forward, increasingly establishing itself in the political and economic leadership in the region.
There is no doubt that slanders against Azerbaijan will be made to the country's reputation for a long time, and hence there is incomprehensible hatred of spiteful critics. Because, as Winston Churchill said, "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."
That's the result. But on the example of Israel, Azerbaijan must learn to fight for its credibility in a world of double standards and, as the American philosopher Eric Hofferob said about Israel: "The Jews are alone in this world. If Israel survives, it will happen only due to its own efforts. "
Based on its own experience during its not long history, Israel wishes for its friend Azerbaijan by their own efforts. We wish Azerbaijan success on the first European Olympic Games in history, as well as the well-being and future prosperity of the Azerbaijani people.
