ROME – All of the useful idiots who maintain Israelis are colonial oppressors would do well to take a look at the happy impromptu team pictures after the men’s half-marathon here Sunday at the European track and field championships.

The Israelis sent six runners. All six are Ethiopian Jews. Translation: they are black. Complete translation: they are fully, completely, thoroughly Israeli. Three finished in the top 10, led by Budapest 2023 world championship marathon silver medalist Maru Teferi, who on Sunday finished fourth.

That earned Israel the team silver medal in the men’s half. And to the obvious question: yes, the four hostages freed Saturday in Gaza were on their minds and, yes, damn straight they were racing for them.