Israeli players will be free to compete at next month's World Indoor Bowls Championship in Norfolk after tournament organizers lifted the ban.
Three Israelis were scheduled to participate in the tournament at Hopton-on-Sea, with Daniel Aromin in singles and Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi in pairs, but their invitations were withdrawn.
The first ban came after the pro-Palestinian group on the World Bowls Tour (WBT) said the Israeli bowler's involvement in August's Scottish International Open had caused a “significant escalation of related political concerns”. It came after a campaign that suggested a decision had been made. .
WBT said the decision was “not taken lightly” and was made “with the success and integrity of the event as our top priority.” The call was widely condemned by Jewish groups and local MP Rupert Lowe, who called it a victory for the “mob”.
However, the WBT issued a new statement on Tuesday, confirming that the three athletes are free to compete and apologizing.
It read: “First, we would like to apologize for the upset and discomfort we have caused by withdrawing the invitation to the three members of PBA Israel ahead of the January 2025 Championship. I would like to offer my sincere apologies to both you and PBA Israel.” This was not our intention at all. However, as we have made clear, we find ourselves in a very difficult position with respect to venue safety and relations with competitors and other participants.
“However, over the past 48 hours, we have been exploring practical ways to overcome concerns so that we can reinstate invitations to PBA Israel. “After consultation with various partner institutions, we have today announced that security personnel at the event The WBT Board is therefore pleased to confirm that this enhanced level of security that will be introduced will be accompanied by PBA Israel teams at events starting from January 10, 2025. I am satisfied that it is good enough to be welcomed.
“We are very pleased to have been able to reverse the decision to withdraw the invitation, which we unfortunately felt was unavoidable given all the circumstances. The safety and security of our participants, staff and attendees. Following important feedback and credible concerns regarding the potential risks posed to our competitors, we have taken responsibility to ensure the health of all involved. I felt I needed to act.”
Mr Lowe, whose Great Yarmouth constituency includes Hopton-on-Sea, said on the same day that he was “absolutely disgusted” by the decision, which he described as “utter madness”. “This follows a concerted campaign by pro-Palestinian mobs to ban Israelis from competitive activities,” the Reform Party MP wrote to X. As far as I am concerned as a local councilor, these people are welcome in our constituency. ”
Furthermore, he added: “What message does this send? If a mob screams, can contestants of a certain nationality be banned? That's madness, pure madness. Organizers are cowards Sports should be about unity and should go beyond politics.”
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The British Jewish Parliamentary Committee said there was no justification for “blatant acts of discrimination against Israeli participants who are excluded solely on the basis of their nationality”.
Potter's Resorts, which has hosted the tournament since 1999, also said it was not involved in deciding who is invited. A spokesperson said: “While Potters Resorts is proud to host the event, we are not involved in decisions regarding athlete participation and remain a neutral venue for this prestigious competition.” .
