The only U.S.-born Jew on Israel’s Olympic team has been kicked off after failing two drug tests.
Swimmer Max Jaben, 22, who was slated to compete in the 200- and 400-meter freestyle events in Beijing, tested positive for the anabolic steroid boldenone in separate tests.
Jaben, a native of suburban Kansas City who made aliyah last summer, denies ever taking the drug.
“I’m extremely upset,” he said after his second test came back positive. “I cannot believe that this happened. There has obviously been a mistake somewhere.”
The United States revoked the entry visas of three Palestinian students who won Fulbright scholarships.
The State Department announced Monday that the three Gazans would not be admitted to the United States after “new information” was received about them.
U.S. officials declined to give further details.
In June, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice came out in support of the three Fulbright scholars after Israel, citing security concerns, refused to give them permits to leave the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Four other Palestinians who won Fulbrights were allowed to leave Gaza.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
