Ran Jacob Torten (also "Ram" and "Ron," and "Tortan"; Hebrew: רן טורטן; December 14, 1966) is an Israeli former Olympic competitive sailor.[1] He was born in Israel, and is Jewish.[2]
Sailors at the Olympics are judged by the best six of their seven races.[3] One of the brothers' races, their fifth—as they were 10th in the standings—fell on Yom Kippur (the holiest day on the Jewish calendar), and the delegation instructed them to not compete.[4][5][6][7] They ignored the Israeli National Olympic Committee's instructions, sailed to a # 9 finish, were thrown off the Israeli team, and were sent back to Israel the following day.[4][6][8] Uri Afek, the Israeli delegation head, said, "Everyone knew no Israelis compete on Yom Kippur," but the brothers said they were not racing but rather sailing for their own enjoyment.[9] The brothers' appeals against the disciplinary committee's decision was rejected by the District and Supreme Court.[10] They were suspended by the Israeli Sports Association for a period of five years, but the Israeli High Court overturned that decision.[11]
