Israeli UN Envoy Danny Danon Condemns Nazi Symbols at Florida Fight Night
Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon shared footage of a martial arts event in Orlando where a fighter performed Nazi salutes and a swastika flag was waved. The incident drew sharp condemnation from public officials and Holocaust organizations.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, posted footage on social media from a combat sports event held at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. The video shows an individual waving a swastika flag in the crowd and a fighter performing Nazi salutes, sparking widespread condemnation from religious leaders and public officials.
The Controversial Matchup
The fight featured kickboxer Paul Miller, known online as "GypsyCrusader," against Ben Azulay, a Jewish influencer who stated he was fighting on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people.
Upon the final bell, Miller appeared to perform a Nazi salute twice from inside the ring. After being declared the winner, he launched into a profanity-laced tirade against his Jewish opponent. Simultaneously, an audience member waved a swastika flag. Footage of both the salutes and the flag quickly circulated on social media platforms.
Extremist Background of the Fighter
Miller has built an online following by broadcasting racist and antisemitic harassment directed at strangers. He previously served time in US federal prison on weapons charges, with federal prosecutors noting he actively promoted a "race-based civil war."
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In 2021, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force raided his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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Miller pleaded guilty to three federal offenses involving possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
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According to the US Bureau of Prisons, he was released from federal custody in July 2023.
During the fight, SS bolts were visible tattooed on Miller's chest. Furthermore, a trading card company produced a commemorative card celebrating his victory, featuring the neo-Nazi symbol and an antisemitic moniker.
Official Responses and Condemnation
Orlando Venues, the municipal department operating the arena, stated it does not endorse the messages displayed at the event and confirmed the flag was removed once staff noticed it.
A spokesperson for the department stated:
"We understand that many in the Orlando community are hurt, angry, and concerned by the recent Duel Arena event. To be clear, these views belong solely to the individuals who expressed them. We do not support or condone the messages displayed during Saturday's event."
The department added that it is reviewing its event policies to ensure its facilities remain "safe and inclusive" while respecting constitutional rights. However, officials did not explain how the swastika flag bypassed security or whether Miller's background had been vetted.
The Florida Holocaust Museum issued a stern response following the match:
"When avowed neo-Nazis and white supremacists are given a public platform in competitive sports, these are the predictable results. We call on the event organizers to take responsibility for allowing this disgraceful display."
Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani also condemned the incident on Instagram, calling it "disgusting" and a reminder of the prevalence of extremism, urging that such behavior must never be normalized.
Following the bout, Azulay addressed the incident on X, stating that antisemitism "has become clearer to me now" and vowing to continue standing up against hate.
