While she confidently clears fences in international show jumping arenas, Isabella Russekoff has spent the past two years navigating a very different kind of obstacle: waves of hate and antisemitism for representing Israel abroad.
The 25-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen has long dreamed of being a professional rider. Four years ago, as she climbed the ranks in elite competition, she made a bold decision: to represent Israel instead of the United States, where she was raised. Since then, she has proudly carried the blue-and-white flag, competing for Israel at the 2028 Olympics and the European Championships in Spain this past July.
Alongside her athletic achievements, Russekoff has become a vocal advocate for Israel, turning the hundreds of antisemitic attacks she has received on social media into opportunities for public diplomacy. “Every jump, every competition, is not just a personal milestone — it’s a mission,” she says. “Since October 7, I step onto the course with a deeper sense of pride and purpose than ever before.”
Would she have chosen differently had she known war would break out?
“Absolutely not,” she says. “Especially after October 7, which showed how vital it is to hold onto our Israeli and Jewish identity. I chose to represent Israel because it’s the homeland of the Jewish people, and as a Jew, that speaks deeply to me. I’ve always felt connected to Israel — its history, culture and people. I’m proud to compete for something bigger than myself. It’s my way of contributing to the Jewish story.”
Critics sometimes claim her choice was a strategic move to improve her odds of reaching the Olympics, given Israel’s smaller team. Russekoff doesn’t deny it may have helped but says, “The decision came primarily from a place of deep love for Israel.”
She’s not alone in that pride. Her cousins in central Israel and her many local supporters often attend her competitions. “Israelis know how to lift people up. There’s so much support from the Israeli crowd,” she says.
How has the war affected her?
“Even when I post a simple photo of my horse, the comments flood in with ‘Free Palestine’ — just because I’m Israeli,” she says. “I’ve received hundreds of hateful messages, even accusations of genocide. The real issue is the misinformation being spread by the media. People just don’t know the truth. That’s why I believe every Israeli and Jewish community worldwide has a duty to help get the facts out.”
What’s hardest to explain to those unfamiliar with the conflict?
“How deeply complex it is. From the outside, it can seem simple, but when you live it, you understand the history, emotions, nuance and our basic right to live safely and freely in our own country. Most of the people criticizing us don’t even know where Israel is on the map.”
So what’s the way forward?
“It changes when people are exposed to reality — when they visit Israel, meet Israelis and see the complexity. The most important thing we can do is bring them here and show them the human side of Israel: our kindness, innovation, spirit. Israelis have energy, warmth, solidarity and resilience. Israel isn’t just a country — it’s the heart of the Jewish people, where our history, faith and identity meet.”
Asked about former President Trump’s efforts to help free Israeli hostages, Russekoff is unequivocal: “I’m incredibly grateful. Any effort to save lives and reunite families deserves respect and deep appreciation. It takes courage and strong leadership to step in during such crises, and I admire that. He showed compassion and strength through decisive action.”
Decisiveness and strength are traits she knows well. Years of global competition and grueling training schedules have taught her that resilience is key. “I’m so thankful I get to devote myself to my passion, something I’ve chased since I was a little girl dreaming of the Olympics,” she says. “Of course, my family’s support made that possible — they helped me push through every difficult training, every stubborn horse, every disappointing round.”
Beyond grit and determination, equestrian sport has taught her life lessons: confidence must come from within, courage means leaving your comfort zone, trust your instincts and always plan your next move before reaching the next obstacle.
One surprising detail she shares?
“My horses have Israeli passports,” she says with a smile. For the curious: the horses travel in fully equipped airplanes, where they can stand, move freely, eat and drink. “They don’t even know they’re in the air,” she adds.