Dim Amor

Maakav conducted an exclusive interview with mixed martial arts fighter Haim Gozali amid the controversy surrounding American internet personality and entrepreneur Dan Bilzerian, who has made harsh statements against Israelis and reportedly raised concerns over potential threats toward them. Gozali, one of the figures most closely associated with the development of MMA in Israel, outlined a hardline approach to combating global antisemitism and announced the launch of a new initiative titled "The Jewish Avengers".

According to Gozali, the initiative is intended to confront incitement, racism, and threats directed at Jews worldwide, using strictly lawful means, including public advocacy, legal proceedings, and authorized demonstrations. "It is unacceptable that individuals threaten to murder Jews while authorities remain silent. Jews cannot afford to be indifferent to such horrific antisemitism", he said.

During the interview, Gozali also addressed the widely publicized controversy surrounding Bilzerian, who has reportedly come under scrutiny by U.S. federal authorities over alleged suspicions related to support for organizations designated as terrorist entities. Reports indicate that the inquiry focuses on social media activity, business connections, and financial transactions, although comprehensive official details or final conclusions have yet to be released.

Gozali further told Maakav that the public confrontation that emerged around the case triggered a large-scale wave of reactions in the digital sphere.

"After a long time, I witnessed Israeli unity. Thousands of Israelis reached out to him and flooded his channels. This is only the beginning of the fight against antisemitism", he noted.

According to Gozali, the exposure of what he described as the antisemite Dan Bilzerian’s phone number led to a series of developments online, creating a broader public impact than anticipated. At the same time, Bilzerian reportedly published Gozali’s personal phone number, further intensifying online activity.

Following the disclosure of Gozali’s number on social media, Bilzerian’s own followers began contacting him, requesting Bilzerian’s contact details in order to communicate with him directly or express support.

However, Israelis and Jews around the world sent Bilzerian messages of a less amicable nature.

Gozali added that within a short period, the surge of outreach from Israelis and Jews, in his view, contributed to the shutdown of Bilzerian’s WhatsApp account. He described this development as part of an ongoing digital struggle against antisemitism and incitement online.

He also stated that Bilzerian’s conduct and the resulting exposure served as the immediate catalyst for the creation of the public initiative "The Jewish Avengers". The interview itself, he noted, was not planned in advance but arose directly from the unfolding developments and the public resonance surrounding the case.

According to Gozali, the initiative is intended to operate as a non-profit organization, funded through donations from Israel and abroad and managed under proper governance standards. He said he plans to establish a team comprising fighters, military personnel, legal professionals, and social media figures who will jointly act against antisemitic phenomena on the international stage.

"If they want a media confrontation, we will engage. If they want a legal confrontation, we will proceed accordingly. Anyone seeking a physical confrontation should enter a lawful arena", he said.

Gozali also referred to other events he associates with anti-Israel demonstrations worldwide, including the "Quds Day" rally in London, during which chants of "Death to the IDF" were reportedly heard. According to reports, British police launched an investigation following the incidents, sparking a wider public debate over the boundaries of free speech and public responsibility. In this context, Gozali also mentioned British rapper Bob Vylan, who, according to various claims, led chants during the rally – allegations that prompted political and media reactions in the United Kingdom.

Beyond his public activism, Gozali is regarded as a central figure in Israel’s MMA scene. Born in Bat Yam, he began his professional career in the late 1990s, when the sport had yet to gain widespread recognition in the country. Over the years, he participated in international competitions, including ADCC events, and later became the first Israeli fighter to compete under the Bellator organization at Madison Square Garden – a milestone that underscored the growing presence of Israeli fighters on the global stage.

Alongside his athletic achievements, Gozali has worked to promote the sport in Israel by organizing international events and establishing training frameworks. His public persona has also been shaped by his association with the comic-book symbol "Batman", which became part of his media image. In recent years, he has continued to compete in various arenas while mentoring a new generation of fighters, including his son Aviv Gozali, who has also become a prominent figure in the sport.

Gozali’s activities extend beyond the sporting arena. In his interview with Maakav, he stated that throughout his career he has consistently acted against manifestations of racism and antisemitism, a stance that, he said, is reflected in his social media content and public initiatives. This activism illustrates his ambition to influence broader public discourse and establish a values-driven presence beyond the world of sport.

Maakav has previously covered and documented Gozali’s involvement in various public causes, including participation in protest initiatives against animal abuse, interviews addressing antisemitism, and public support for children facing bullying in the education system. At the same time, Gozali has expressed support for Israel’s security forces and stated that his actions are guided by a commitment to the country’s values and resilience.

Today, Gozali presents a new objective: an international campaign against antisemitism. According to him, his social media accounts have been blocked on several occasions due to his activism against racism, yet a new account on X gained thousands of followers within days. He also maintains large communities on Instagram and Facebook, granting him significant public influence.

The controversy surrounding Bilzerian and the public debate it generated forms part of a broader discourse on the role of influencers in political and security arenas, as well as the impact of social media in shaping public opinion. Meanwhile, the initiative "The Jewish Avengers" proposes a new operational model that seeks to combine legal, public, and media-driven activity in confronting antisemitic phenomena worldwide.

According to Gozali, "It is time to demonstrate that there is an answer to antisemitism. Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live)".