Cycling – Vuelta a Espana – Stage 21 – Alalpardo to Madrid – Madrid, Spain – September 14, 2025 Protesters clash with police during Stage 21. Photo: REUTERS/Ana Beltran

Anti-Israel protests forced the abandonment of the Vuelta a Espana cycle race at its finale on Sunday, with Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard declared the winner as police sought to quell demonstrations against an Israeli team’s participation.

Protesters overturned metal barriers and occupied the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) race route at several points in the Spanish capital Madrid as police attempted to push them back.

“The race is over,” a spokesperson for the race organizers told Reuters.

The protests have targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Some riders had threatened to quit last week as routes were blocked, causing some falls.

More than 1,000 police officers were deployed on Sunday as cyclists reached the final stage of the 21-day race in Madrid.

It had been due to end at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT).

Earlier in the day, Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he admired the protesters.

“Today marks the end of the Vuelta,” Sanchez told a party rally in the southern city of Malaga.

“Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilizing for just causes like Palestine.”

After the race was cancelled, clashes continued with protesters throwing bottles of water and other objects at police.

A view of the Toronto area, which is home to Canada’s largest Jewish community. Photo: John Vetterli via Wikimedia Commons.

i24 News – A documentary chronicling retired Israeli General Noam Tibon’s daring rescue of his family during the Hamas attacks in 2023 has taken home the People’s Choice Award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

“The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Barry Avrich, depicts Tibon’s efforts amid the October 7 attacks, which left over 1,200 people dead and more than 250 abducted. The film has sparked heated debate, drawing both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside its screenings this week.

TIFF organizers confirmed the award via email Sunday morning, before CEO Cameron Bailey could present it during the festival’s ceremony at the TIFF Lightbox.

Avrich accepted the honor to subdued applause, thanking the festival for its support.

The documentary had previously faced a brief removal from TIFF’s schedule over security and rights concerns, a decision that drew criticism from politicians, Jewish organizations, and industry figures. The festival reinstated the film days later, with Bailey vowing clearer communication regarding programming choices.

Despite the protests, the film went on to screen as planned on Sunday afternoon. Some demonstrators had labeled the documentary “Israeli propaganda” without attending a showing.

Benjamin Netanyahou and Marco Rubio. Photo: David Azagury, US Embassy Jerusalem

i24 News – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off his official visit to Israel on Sunday with a symbolic visit to Jerusalem’s Western Wall. He was accompanied by his wife Janet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, as well as US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife.

The delegation participated in the reading of a psalm and a prayer honoring the US president for his support of Israel, commitment to regional security, and efforts toward peace. A separate prayer called for the swift return of hostages held in Gaza.

Rubio and the officials then toured newly uncovered archaeological tunnels beneath the Western Wall, where Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, presented artifacts dating to the destruction of the Second Temple.

Netanyahu hailed Rubio’s visit as a demonstration of the enduring strength of the US-Israel alliance. “This visit is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance, which is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall,” he said. “Under President Trump, Secretary Rubio and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Rubio signed the Western Wall guest book, writing: “May peace arise over this Holy Land and the entire world.” The gesture marks the start of a diplomatic trip aimed at reinforcing US-Israel cooperation amid heightened regional tensions stemming from the conflict in Gaza.