Israeli UFC fighter talks antisemitism at self-defense seminar as Hamas hostages mark 500 days

Natan Levy, an Israeli UFC fighter, recently marked the somber milestone of 500 days since Hamas began holding hostages in Gaza by leading a self-defense seminar in New York. The event was part of his efforts to empower the Jewish community amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism, particularly since October 7, 2023. Levy emphasized the importance of standing strong and united during these challenging times. "For years now, but especially since October 7th, antisemitism has been on the rise," he told Fox News Digital. "Especially today, at 500 days, it’s important to strengthen the community." Levy’s seminar was more than just a physical training session; it was a call to action, urging the Jewish community to embrace their identity with pride and resilience.

Levy also expressed his deep hope for the safe return of all hostages held in Gaza. Among those he has personally connected with is Andre Kozlov, a former Hamas hostage who had the opportunity to train with Levy. The UFC fighter described the experience as "an honor to meet him and train him," highlighting the strength and resilience of those who have endured such hardships. His message was clear: the Jewish community will not be victimized or intimidated. "We’re not your punching bag," Levy asserted, emphasizing that Jews are not to be messed with. This sentiment resonated deeply with the participants of his seminar, who came from all walks of life to learn how to defend themselves and stand up for their beliefs.

The seminar, held on February 17 at Renzo Gracie Rockland in New York, was open to anyone who felt targeted or bullied, regardless of their background. Levy’s class was a mix of students of all ages, each eager to learn self-defense techniques and gain confidence. He demonstrated various methods for protecting oneself, while also correcting common mistakes that newcomers often make. The event was not just about physical defense but also about fostering a sense of community and solidarity. By teaching these skills, Levy aimed to empower individuals to stand tall in the face of adversity, whether it be verbal harassment, physical threats, or systemic hatred.

The seminar was organized in partnership with StandStrong, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 to address the alarming statistic that 64% of Jewish students on campus had denied their Jewish identity at some point. The group’s mission is to equip students with the confidence and skills to proudly stand up for who they are and what they believe. Ted Schwartz, the founder of StandStrong, envisions a future where Jewish and non-Jewish students can unite to combat hate and terror. The organization’s website underscores its commitment to fostering unity and strength in the face of adversity.

The partnership between Levy and StandStrong came about organically through social media, as the UFC fighter was deeply moved by the organization’s mission. Matt Travers, the executive director of StandStrong, praised Levy’s involvement, noting that his presence brought an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the events. "When he delivers a class, there is an extra excitement; it is inspiring to see someone at the very elite level of what he does taking time to give back to the community," Travers said. Levy’s involvement not only highlights the importance of self-defense but also serves as a powerful representation of Jewish identity. He is more than just an athlete; he is a role model for young people, showing them that their culture and identity can be strong, proud, and unwavering in the face of challenges.

The timing of Levy’s seminar coincided with the eve of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on Israel, a period marked by a surge in antisemitic incidents. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that between October 7, 2023, and September 24, 2024, it recorded the highest number of antisemitic incidents since it began tracking data in 1979. Of the 10,000 incidents documented, more than 8,015 involved verbal or written harassment, while over 150 were physical assaults. These staggering numbers underscore the urgent need for initiatives like Levy’s self-defense seminars and the work of StandStrong. By empowering individuals to stand up for themselves and their communities, these efforts offer a glimmer of hope and resilience in the face of hatred and intolerance. Levy’s message is clear: the Jewish community will not be silenced or weakened by rising antisemitism. Instead, it will rise stronger, prouder, and more united than ever.