Ahavat Hashem Gordon: “As a Jew, You Do Not Have the Privilege of Not Knowing How to Defend Yourself”

Proud to Be Jewish, Even Under Pressure

Israeli Muay Thai fighter Ahavat “Golden Boy” Gordon has built his public image around something larger than the ring: Jewish pride, Israeli identity and the refusal to hide either one.

At the Besheva Conference, Gordon said he is not afraid to carry the Israeli flag around the world, even when doing so makes him a target.

“Since I was 11, I have competed in tournaments all over the world,” Gordon said. “I was told to take off my kippah and tzitzit, not to speak Hebrew, but my parents raised me to be proud of who I am. That is why I show my identity. I am a proud Jew from Israel.”

That message has followed Gordon into international competition. Earlier this year, he defeated Turkish fighter Ali Koyuncu at a UTMA event in Kaunas, Lithuania, after Koyuncu had taunted him with anti-Israel posts ahead of the fight. The pre-fight tension escalated at the weigh-in, where Koyuncu lunged toward Gordon and kicked him before the two were separated. Gordon went on to win by technical knockout, maintaining his undefeated professional run.

For many Israelis, the victory became more than a sports result. Gordon celebrated wearing an Israeli flag and a kippah, turning the fight into a public statement of Jewish confidence at a time when Israeli athletes often face hostility abroad.

Gordon said he understands why many Jews feel afraid in the current climate, but believes fear cannot be allowed to erase identity.

“I understand why everyone is afraid, but I do not think you can be afraid to be who you are,” he said.

Fighting With Purpose

Gordon comes from a family deeply connected to combat sports. According to The Times of Israel, he has seven siblings, and six of them are also Thai boxers. His older brother, Ruach Hashem Gordon, won a silver medal for Israel at the Muay Thai World Games in China.

His message of Jewish pride also appears in his personal life. According to a Jan. 3 Instagram post from Gordon, he became engaged to Oran Sara Levi, sharing a photo of the two together as they show off the ring.

Gordon’s message is not only about athletic success or public image. After one of his victories, he visited wounded IDF soldiers at Belev Echad’s home in Kiryat Ono, where wounded soldiers receive long-term support, rehabilitation and community. Instead of resting after the fight, he trained with and encouraged wounded soldiers, with organizers describing the visit as a message of inspiration, faith and strength.

That is the same theme he brought to the younger generation at the Besheva Conference: pride must be paired with strength.

“As a Jew, you do not have the privilege of not knowing how to defend yourself,” Gordon said. “Find a gym and start training. Never be ashamed of who you are.”