The EAJC mourns the passing of Joseph Roitman

On April 16, 2026, at the age of 92, Yosef Roitman, an outstanding sports and public figure, passed away. The EAJC has received the news of the passing of our dear colleague, friend, and true role model with profound sadness. His remarkable life journey and infectious energy served as an inspiration to us all. We extend our deepest condolences to Yosef's family and loved ones.

Yosef Roitman was born in 1934 and lived through the horrors of the Second World War as a child. His family was imprisoned in a concentration camp but managed to escape and evacuate to Uzbekistan.

Yosef Roitman was a multiple-time champion and medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, and Sambo. Having earned the title of Merited Wrestling Coach in the USSR, Yosef Roitman continued his distinguished career after immigrating to Israel in 1974. Yosef became the founder of Sambo wrestling in the country and taught Sambo to the Israel Defense Forces for ten years. In 1976, Yosef established a sports school of Olympic reserve in memory of the Israeli athletes who perished at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Yosef served as the Honorary President of the Sambo Federation of Israel.