Founded in 2014 by Ron Baron and co-owned by Sylvan Adams, Israel-Premier Tech (IPT) is competing in its fifth Tour de France. Adams is a strong believer in diplomacy through sports. "It’s our fifth participation in the Tour and I'm very proud that we are one of three teams carrying the name of countries and not a commercial brand.
We wear 'Israel,' it's my brand as a self-appointed ambassador of the state. During a broadcast, the word 'Israel' can come up 150 times. What an amazing way to present our misunderstood country.
” As part of his effort to fulfil the Jewish mission of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Adams invited October 7 survivors Avida Bachar and Sharon Shevo to fly on his private jet to Florence. Bachar’s wife Dana and 15-year-old son Carmel were murdered in their home by Hamas terrorists. Avida lost his right leg in the attack.
Shevo was ambushed while he was training on his bicycle on October 7 and nearly lost his arm. The survivors addressed the Jewish community of Florence during Thursday’s Balagan Café cultural festival in the garden of the Tempio Maggiore Israelitico di Firenze (“the Great Synagogue of Florence”). They also took part in a training session with the team on Friday during which they met the 40 professionals accompanying the riders.
On Saturday, the pair attended the Grand Depart. “It’s a dream come true to get to know the team backstage, hear about their routine and see the entire setup and the staff. I rode with them on .
