Israel uninvited
Israeli lawn bowlers have been uninvited to participate in next month’s World Indoor Championships in England.
One of three bowlers withdrew from the Scottish Championship last month following a successful petition organised by a pro-Palestine group.
The organisers of the World Championships to be held in Norfolk decided to uninvite the Israeli bowlers following by a further pro-Palestian campaign.
A World Bowls Tour statement said that “there has been a significant escalation in related political concerns”.
The statement went on to say: “Therefore, as a result of the intensity of the situation, the WBT Board, in consultation with our event partners and other relevant stakeholders, has made the difficult decision to withdraw the invitation for Israel to participate in the forthcoming World Indoor Championships. This decision affects Daniel Alomin in the World Singles, as well as Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi in the World Open Pairs.”
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “World Bowls Tour says that bowls is a sport that unites people. But that apparently does not apply to the Jews, who are excluded. This decision is a disgrace to international sport and sends the message that racist intimidation works. Athletes should be judged by their skill, not their race, ethnicity or nationality. Unfortunately, that principle does not apply to Jewish athletes.”
Following outraged reactions and negative publicity from various quarters the Israeli bowlers have been re-invited. Another case where not remaining mute has produced positive results.
Such cowards they are. Also, as it turns out, bigots. What a shocking precedent for the lawn bowls World Championship organisers to set.