He has already won world championships, become a legend in the international chess community, and broken every possible glass ceiling over the years. But now, at the age of 70, Israeli grandmaster Yehuda Greenfeld is embarking on perhaps the biggest and most charged challenge of his career.
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This morning, Greenfeld took off for Spain to participate in the World Chess Championship for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Almeria, a prestigious competition that brings together hundreds of chess players from 43 countries.
But this year, beyond the battle on the board, there is also an international storm hovering over the championship surrounding Israel's participation.
Industry sources say that quite a few Arab and Muslim countries chose not to participate in this year's competition, amid tensions surrounding Israel. Despite this, the Israeli delegation is coming in particularly determined, with one clear goal: to return the Israeli flag to the world podium.
Greenfeld, considered the most decorated deaf chess player in the world, holds an extraordinary resume of European and World Championship wins, and over the decades has become one of the names most identified with the sport of chess among deaf athletes in the world.
But this time it's about much more than a title. The big goal is to finish in the top four, an achievement that will earn him a ticket to the 2027 Deaflympics to be held in Austria.
Gimi Hatzbani, Chairman of the Israel Deaf Sports Association: "Yehuda is a symbol of willpower, perseverance and inspiring Israeli representation. Even at the age of 70, he deserves to compete against the best in the world and is not afraid of any opponent.""
The Israeli delegation is also joined by coach Alex Pinchasov and chess player Yevgeny Shevchuk, along with Saar Yanko, who represents the Sports Organization of the Deaf in Israel, which is funding participation in the championship.
But beyond the moves on the board, there is also an extraordinary Israeli story here: a man who did not let limitations stop him for a moment, and for decades became an international symbol of excellence, determination, and Israeli pride.
Dr. Zvika Barkai, Chairman of the Israeli Chess Association: "The Israeli Chess Association supports the activities of disabled chess players in general and deaf chess players in particular, both professionally and financially, and sees this as a great privilege. The association wishes Rabbi Aman Greenfeld great success in the important championship.".
Chess player Yehuda Greenfeld said: "I feel ready for the challenges ahead after an excellent performance in Albania at the World Senior Championship two weeks ago. I hope to defend my titles as World Champion in Deaf Blitz and also win rapid chess. I also hope that the appearance of Israelis in Spain during a very challenging period will improve relations between Spain in particular and Europe in general and Israel."
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