In 2018, Yom Kippur coincided with an important horseback riding competition in North Carolina. The International Equestrian Federation event was “a prelude to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where Israel’s equestrian federation hopes to compete for the first time.” [Source: Times of Israel]
And yet, Dan Kramer, who came to horseback riding through physical therapy following an injury during his IDF service, made a clear decision. In a letter to the Israel Equestrian Federation’s chairman Kenny Lalo, Kramer wrote: “I decided not to join the other members of the Israeli national team and not to participate in the upcoming world championships in the United States, because the competition is taking place on Yom Kippur and I want to honor this day as well as the Israeli public and Jewish Diaspora.”
Israel's Olympic representation builds national pride and national identity on a world stage. Kramer’s decision could seriously hinder Israel's chances of reaching the Olympics, and as a result, there are many Israelis who were upset by his choice.