Muay Thai

Israel holds first annual Thai Festival as two nations celebrate 72 years of diplomatic relations

“We’re bringing the Thailand festival here because you are special.," Thai Ambassador to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu said. "It’s going to be an annual event for Israel."

|BySAM HALPERN
Dancers perform at the first annual Thai Festival in central Israel. June 12, 2026.
Israeli fighter Ahavat HaShem Gordon after he defeated Turkish opponent Ali Kuyuncu at UTMA 17 after Kuyuncu declared a forfeit in the second round.

Sorry, ladies: Israeli breakout fighter Ahavat Hashem Gordon is already taken, and engaged

A whole country seemed glued to the TV on Saturday night to watch a fight that, until recently, many people probably had not even heard about.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Creator and Executive Producer Dana Eden and Executive Producer Shula Spiegel pose backstage with cast and crew members after winning an Emmy for "Tehran" in the category Drama at the 49th International Emmy Awards in New York City, New York, U.S., November 22, 2021.

Hugh Laurie faces backlash from both sides, Israeli muay Thai fighter triumphs

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
ISRAELI MUAY Thai fighter, Ahavat Hashem Gordon, seen with an Israeli flag following his win on February 21, 2026.

Turkish boxer attacks Israeli opponent before fight, Israeli wins in two rounds

Konyuncu was seen bleeding profusely from a wound on the side of his head, and the judges made the call to end the fight there, awarding victory to Gordon.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, SPORT 1

Intl. Muaythai federation bans Israeli flag, anthem, forbids fighters from representing country

According to the IFMA, the move was sparked by the death of a Palestinian boy named Ammar Hamayel, who was a member of the Palestinian national Muay Thai team.

AUGUST 3, 2025ByMATHILDA HELLER
ISRAELI MUAY THAi fighter Shir Cohen (right) battles Francesca Vera at ONE Championship’s ONE Friday Fights 75 event earlier this month in Bangkok, Thailand.

Unanimous decision: Israeli Muay Thai fighter Shir Cohen triumphs at ONE Championship

Israeli Muay Thai skills shine as rising blue-and-white fighter notches decisive victory in Bangkok.

AUGUST 28, 2024BySAM HALPERN
ISRAELI MUAY THAi fighter Shir Cohen (right) battles Francesca Vera at ONE Championship’s ONE Friday Fights 75 event earlier this month in Bangkok, Thailand.

Grapevine November 18th, 2022: Upstaged

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

NOVEMBER 20, 2022ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
HANNI ARNON (second right) at the award ceremony at the Princess of Naradhiwas University in Thailand.

Israel’s Muay Thai queen Nili Block heading back to World Games

Originally scheduled for 2021, the upcoming World Games were rescheduled for 2022 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

JULY 3, 2022ByAVI KUMAR
NILI BLOCK continues to perform at peak level in Muay Thai and will compete in the 60kg category this month at the World Games.

Land of ‘the art of eight limbs’

For many Israelis, Thailand is for rest and relaxation. For many others, it’s where you go to learn Muay Thai.

MAY 30, 2021ByANNA AHRONHEIM
AVISHAY LUXEMBURG and a friend train at Phuket’s Tiger Muay Thai gym in 2010.