Israel achieves historic best at International Mathematical Olympiad, securing 6th place globally
Israel's National Mathematics Team has achieved its most successful result in the country's history of participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), bringing home a remarkable six medals from the prestigious global competition held this year in Australia. All six team members earned medals, including four gold, one silver, and one bronze, propelling Israel to an impressive 6th place among 110 participating countries worldwide.
This marks a historic milestone for the Israeli mathematics team at the 66th IMO, an event founded in 1959. The Israeli contingent competed against 639 students, demonstrating unprecedented success.
12th grader Raz Dvora, a Rehovot resident and a 12th grader at De Shalit High School, 12th grader Eithan Grinzaid from Petah Tikva and a student at Ehad Ha'Am High School, 11th grader Shahar Blumentzvaig from Modi'in, a student at Atid Los Science High School, and Rehovot resident Yotam Nudnik, an 11th grader at De Shalit High School, all took home gold medals from the Math Olympiad.
Nadav Dan Tamari, a 12th grader from Ramat Gan and a student at Ohel Shem High School took home the silver medal, and 12th grader Ariel Doron, a resident of Ramat Hasharon studying at Kfar Hayarok, took home the bronze medal.
The preparation of Israel's national science teams for international Olympiads is spearheaded by the Israel's Education Ministry and the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center.
The team were trained at the Weizmann Institute of Science
The mathematics team underwent rigorous training at the Weizmann Institute of Science, under the leadership of Academic Director Dr. Dmitry Novikov and Head Coach Lev Radzivilovsky. The delegation was led by Dr. Dan Carmon, supported by trainers Daniel Kaner, Giora Shvidler, and Ronel Lakker.
Education Minister Yoav Kisch, praised the students' achievements: "Within one week, Israel's students reminded the world — and ourselves — what's possible when an education system believes in excellence and nurtures it consistently.' He noted that following the recent victory in chemistry, the mathematics team "set a new benchmark with four gold medals and a record-breaking ranking — an achievement unmatched since Israel began participating in the Olympiad.'
Kisch attributed these results to "not only extraordinary students... but a clear educational vision, a strong partnership between the Education Ministry, the Future Scientists Center, and the Weizmann Institute, and above all, a deep commitment to giving our students the tools to break boundaries.' He concluded, "This is not just a week of success — rather the forward movement of an entire system.'
Yarom Ariav, Chairman of the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center, described the accomplishment as "an historic and inspiring achievement that places Israel at the forefront on the stage of global mathematics.'
He congratulated the team and their trainers for instilling a sense of national pride and affirmed the center's commitment to continue working with the Education Ministry and academic institutions to provide advanced tools and opportunities for Israel's future generation.
Prof. Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science, lauded the team's accomplishment as "truly outstanding," calling it "a testament to the talent, hard work, and learning spirit of our youth, and to the tremendous potential they hold.'
He expressed pride in the Weizmann Institute's role in the team's scientific training, viewing the nurturing of tomorrow's scientific leadership as both a privilege and a mission. Prof. Chen emphasized that such achievements "go far beyond medals — they are milestones pointing to a future where Israel continues to lead, innovate, and shape the global stage.'
'I felt immense pride and a great honor to represent the State of Israel at the International Mathematical Olympiad, especially during this period we are in. I had the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all over the world who, just like me, love mathematics,' Gold medalist Eithan Ginzaid told the Jerusalem Post.
'Participating in the Olympiad, competing against students from 110 countries, and winning a gold medal are experiences I will never forget. For many years, I dedicated myself fully to reach this exciting moment!'
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