The World Bowls Tour backtracked Tuesday on its controversial decision to exclude Israeli athletes from this month's world indoor championships, following intense public pressure and legal warnings that highlighted the growing intersection of international sports and Middle East politics.
The organization had initially barred three Israeli competitors - Daniel Alomin, Amnon Amar, and Itai Rigbi - from participating in the prestigious tournament in Hopton-on-Sea, England, citing "recent challenges" and "related political concerns." The decision came in the wake of protests that had affected previous sporting events, including the Scottish International Open in November, where Israeli player Shalom Ben Ami withdrew after facing a petition signed by over 4,000 people.
The reversal came after swift condemnation from multiple quarters, including more than 100 British parliamentarians. The roster of politicians opposing the ban included prominent figures such as shadow home secretary Chris Philp and Conservative Friends of Israel Chair Suella Braverman.
"This is how you deal with the bullies taking to the streets of OUR country every weekend," said Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, where the championship will be held. "Stand up to them, don't accept their hateful tactics."
UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) played a crucial role in the reversal, informing the WBT that excluding Israeli competitors would be illegal. The organization's intervention prompted the Tour to not only reinstate the invitations but also issue "sincere apologies for any upset and offense."
The incident highlighted the distinction between different bowling organizations, with World Bowls, the sport's international federation, quickly distancing itself from the controversy. The federation emphasized that the WBT "is not affiliated with World Bowls" and noted their own recent successful inclusion of Israeli athletes at the World Bowls Junior Indoor Championships in Hong Kong.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews connected the incident to broader patterns of pressure on UK institutions. Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen noted that "Sports bodies are now facing the same sort of intimidation from extreme pro-Palestine groups that the Jewish community, UK politicians, and businesses with real or imagined links to Israel, have faced for more than a year."
The controversy emerged against the backdrop of local activism, with the Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign (NPSC) having launched a social media campaign calling for the event's venue, Hopton Potters Resort, to boycott Israeli bowlers.
The WBT cited security concerns in their initial decision, referencing challenges at previous events. However, in their reversal statement, they indicated that "practical ways" had been found to address these concerns, allowing them to welcome the Israeli team to the event.
The tournament, set to proceed with its full complement of international competitors, will take place later this month in Hopton-on-Sea, with enhanced security measures in place to ensure the safety of all participants.
JNS and The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this article.
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