.
.

Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Judo & Football Athletes Caught in the Turmoil

Israeli–Palestinian Conflict: Judo & Football Athletes Caught in the Turmoil

 

 

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that began in the mid-20th century. The conflict is wide-ranging, and the term is sometimes also used in reference to the earlier sectarian conflict in Mandatory Palestine, between the Jewish yishuv and the Arab population under British rule. The Israeli–Palestinian conflict has formed the core part of the wider Arab–Israeli conflict. It has been referred to as the world’s “most intractable conflict.

In the past week, it has spread to 2 sports: Football (soccer) and Judo, and affecting professional athletes that have nothing to do with the politics.

It started last week when The Palestinian National Football Team was delayed by Israeli Forces at the Allenby/Al Karamah Crossing, the only international border for Palestinians living in the Occupied West Bank. The national team was on its route to Tunisia as part of their preparation for its upcoming official matches.

This new Israeli violation occurred less than 24 hours after Mr. Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, left Israel and Palestine, having received a commitment from Israeli PM Mr. Netanyahu about facilitating the travel of Palestinian athletes. The Israeli Football Association, as usual when Palestinian athletes are harassed by Israeli Forces, didn’t issue any condemnation.

palestinian

Palestinian National Football Team was delayed by Israeli Forces at the Allenby/Al Karamah Crossing

Here is the letter sent by the head of the Palestine Football Association Gen. Jibril Rajoub to FIFA President Mr. Sepp Blatter on this new Israeli violation against Palestinian sports. Attached is a picture of the team at the Israeli Control.

Date: 21/5/2015

Ref: X-Pob/2015/156

Mr. Joseph Blatter
President

Fédération Internationale de Football Association

Subject: VIP escort for Palestinian Footballers on the border

Dear President,
Dear Brother

I hope you had the time to rest after your trip to our region and the busy schedule of meetings with both the Palestinian and Israeli sides.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Israeli Government’s promise to facilitate the movement of our players is having its first test as I am writing this letter. Our National team, which is heading for Tunisia for a training camp, has been delayed at the Allenby crossing point by the Israeli authorities.

Player Sameh Maraabah has been detained by the Israeli authorities for two hours now, and the team has decided it will not leave without him.

The implications of this incident can only confirm the PFA’s position on the promises given by the Israeli Government; that they are only words unless they are included in solution that can only come through, and be guaranteed by the FIFA congress.

Sincerely Yours

Jibril Rajoub

President

Palestine Football Association

 

 

As a retaliation, the Israeli judo team that traveled to the World Masters Judo Tournament, held last weekend in Rabat, Morocco, were nearly banned from entering the country, and competed before a hostile crowd once the event began.

israel Judo

Israeli Judo delegation landed in Rabat

When the Israeli Judo delegation landed in Rabat, they were held up at the airport for more than eight hours, in a large room with no chairs, food or water. The Moroccan authorities explained that the delegation members had no visas, but later changed their version and claimed that one of the passengers had a weapon in his suitcase.

The local crowd was very hostile to the whole team and chants of “We will murder you” and “you’re not wanted here, go home” were directed at the members of Israel’s judo team over the weekend, while they competed at the competition in Rabat.

 

Read more….