Israelis banned from competing in World Indoor Bowls Championships
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Israeli players have been banned from next month’s World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk after a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups. The decision was widely condemned by Jewish groups and the local MP, Rupert Lowe, who called it a victory for “the mob”.
Three Israelis were expected to compete in the tournament in Hopton-on-Sea – with Daniel Alomin due to play in the singles and Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi in the pairs – but their invitations have since been withdrawn. The World Bowls Tour (WBT) said in a statement that its decision had been taken after the involvement of Israeli bowlers at the Scottish International Open in August had produced “a significant escalation in related political concerns”.
“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.
“Bowls is, and always has been, a sport that unites people and this choice reflects our commitment to protecting the championships and ensuring they run smoothly for everyone involved.”. However the Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign said the move came about after joint action with Scottish Sports for Palestine and Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card. Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card posted on its Facebook page: “The Israeli bowlers that we have been campaigning about have had their invitation withdrawn! We will keep chipping away against genocidal sports washing until Palestine is free!”.
