Yonatan Friedman, a resident of the Sal’it settlement in Samaria, on Saturday night won first place and a gold medal in the 2019 European Acrobatics Championship held in Holon, Israel, in the category of mixed couples ages 11-16 (youth).
Friedman shared the win with his partner Amy Rafaeli. The pair Friedman and Rafaeli won a gold medal a few months ago in a competition in Belgium.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, told Yonatan and his excited parents: “Congratulations, European Champion! Next – the World Championships. You’ve earned a lot of respect for Samaria and for the entire State of Israel, and we will continue to embrace you and help as best we can. More power to you!”
Dagan added: “All the residents of Samaria are proud of Yonathan’s tremendous achievement. We will continue to put Samaria at the center of Israel’s map in every area, including construction, education, volunteering and certainly sports.”
Friedman receives an athletic scholarship from the Samaria Regional Council, as well as funding for his flights abroad to participate in competitions.
Friedman trains in the Hapoel Holon SC under coach Amir Moses.