Olympic Medalist Slams Minister Chikli for Mocking Accent
Olympic medalist Peter Paltchik harshly criticized Likud Minister Amichai Chikli for mocking MK Avigdor Lieberman with a Russian accent during a radio interview, demanding an apology.
A public outcry erupted following remarks by Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud). The minister is facing severe criticism after mimicking Yisrael Beytenu party chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman with a Russian accent during a radio interview.
Following the mocking imitation, Olympic judo medalist Peter Paltchik published a sharp protest video against the minister. "Chikli, shame on you. The accent you are mocking to humiliate a political opponent is the accent of immigrants from the Soviet Union," Paltchik wrote.
The Personal Impact
The athlete emphasized that this involves an entire public that has contributed immensely to the country, and that the minister turned their accent into a joke. Paltchik added a personal dimension to illustrate the deep hurt caused by Chikli's words.
"I made Aliyah to Israel as a child. I grew up here, fought for the right to represent this country, and won the privilege of raising its flag on the biggest stages in the world," the judoka shared.
He clarified that this is the accent of the home he came from, and turning it into a joke hurts him personally. Paltchik called on the minister to debate Lieberman on substantive issues rather than descending to personal and ethnic levels.
Call for an Apology
Paltchik concluded with a firm demand for a public apology from Chikli, ending with a pointed question: "On the eve of October 7, is this the example you set as a minister in Israel? You owe us an apology."
The severe criticism from the athlete followed an interview given by Minister Chikli to Radio Tzafon (104.5FM). During the interview, Chikli attacked Lieberman while using a Russian accent to mock him.
