Jewish athletes honored at State of the Union

(The Center Square) – Despite ongoing antisemitism in the U.S., including on college campuses, Jewish athletes helped propel the U.S. men and women’s hockey teams to win gold medals in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Members of the men’s team appeared at the State of Union address Tuesday night, receiving a standing ovation with members of Congress chanting, “USA! USA!” “It’s the first time I’ve seen [nearly all Democrats] stand up,” President Donald Trump said. The men’s hockey team defeated the U.S. archrival Canada on Feb. 22. It was the 46-year anniversary of the last time the U.S. men’s hockey team won gold. On Feb. 22, 1980, the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in the semifinals in what was described as the "Miracle on Ice” before going on to win gold. Canadians have considered hockey their sport, dominating the Olympics and world stage, winning nine gold medals, the most of any country. But over the past several decades, the U.S. has built a formidable hockey prog