Ashlee Bond has been on a truly captivating journey. The U.S.-born show-jumping rider is the first Christian athlete to represent Israel at the Olympics. Bond participated in the Tokyo Games in 2021 and was in Paris this summer to once again compete in the Olympic games.
How Bond Joined Israel’s Team
“I am part Jewish, so … I feel right at home,” Bond, 39, told CBN News of her experience competing on team Israel.
Her journey to contending on behalf of the Jewish state started when she was 33 years old, which she considers significant considering her Christian heritage.
“I was 33 when I got my citizenship — on my 33rd birthday,” she said. “Jesus was crucified when he was 33. I have always considered myself an American-Israeli or Israeli-American — either way. My dad was born in Haifa … I still have some family that lives in Israel.”
Bond said her Israeli heritage was always “very prominent” in her life, with the culture integrated into her daily life. Ultimately, she developed a “strong Israeli character,” which helped lead her to seek Israeli citizenship in 2018.
“I just felt this calling with my faith being a Christian, being that Jesus —
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