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The Schmooze

Israeli Athletes Pose in Birthday Suits

Delila Hatuel is an Olympic foil fencer.

(JTA)- Since 2009, ESPN The Magazine has released an annual issue that features photos of renowned athletes posing nude. The Body Issue has become a fixture of popular sports culture that celebrates the immaculate bodies that top athletes can achieve.

Now, Israel’s popular Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper has given the idea a try, photographing 14 of Israel’s best athletes nude in “a first” for the country. According to Israel21C, fashion photographer Gabriel Baharlia spent two and a half weeks with the athletes to produce the images. The results, published last weekend, are as startling as ESPN’s.

Ariel Harush is a soccer goalkeeper for the Israeli national team and Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League.

Image by Gabriel Baharlia/Facebook

Amit Ivry is an Olympic swimmer who holds several national records in Israel.

Meirav Dori is a basketball guard who plays for the Israeli national team.

Image by Gabriel Baharlia/Facebook

Ma’ayan Shahaf is a seven-time national champion high-jumper.

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