Français
Español
English
Portuguese
A cycling enthusiast himself, Calderon felt his joy mixed with anguish as he rolled through Paris, his thoughts turning to those still trapped in Gaza.
A promise made during the depths of war became reality Sunday when former hostage Ofer Calderon joined Israel’s cycling team at the Tour de France.
Calderon, a 54-year-old French-Israeli citizen, rolled through Paris as the special guest of Israel’s Premier Tech Pro Cycling Team during the race’s final stage.
Overwhelmed by the crowds and spectacle, he struggled to process the moment that fulfilled a commitment made 18 months earlier during his darkest days in Hamas captivity.
“I’m still in shock from this moment. I’ve never been to Paris, certainly not on a bicycle,” Calderon told reporters.
“Everything looks so big to me… so wide… so many people… everything is a lot. I’m so emotional to be here with the team.”
Calderon’s nightmare began when Hamas terrorists stormed Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, seizing him along with his children Sahar and Erez.
While his children were released during a brief November 2023 truce, Calderon remained in captivity for over 15 months, spending just three hours above ground during his entire imprisonment.
Marking 100 days since the massacre, team owner Sylvan Adams organized a global solidarity event at Tel Aviv’s Sylvan Adams National Velodrome, where 136 riders took to the track – one for each hostage still held by Hamas.
Among them was 12-year-old Erez Kalderon, riding while his father remained in captivity.
At the time, Adams made a commitment that seemed impossible: when Ofer was freed, they would ride alongside him at the Tour de France.
Yesterday in Paris brought that promise full circle, marking Israel Premier Tech’s sixth consecutive appearance at the event.
“We promised Erez and Ofer that he would join us at the Tour,” Adams said as he embraced Calderon repeatedly.
“And now it happened. It’s hard to believe. It’s so symbolic. It’s so special. Here he is beside us. “This is an incredible moment for Ofer and all of us, but this victory will not be complete until they all return home, now!”
A cycling enthusiast himself, Calderon felt his joy mixed with anguish as he rolled through Paris, his thoughts turning to those still trapped in Gaza.
“I’m also torn: this joy can’t be complete because, alongside all these emotions, it’s very hard to deal with what’s happening to me and to all the people of Israel, that we still have hostages in Gaza, our soldiers are there, and some are being killed,” Calderon said. “Nothing will be complete until they’re all back home. It’s time to end this story and bring everyone back.”
Last week, the United States pulled negotiators from ceasefire talks after accusing Hamas of acting in bad faith.
An estimated 50 hostages remain in Gaza, though Israeli intelligence believes at least 27 have died in captivity.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
