Israeli bowlers banned from World Indoor Championships
Israeli players have been banned from participating in next month’s World Indoor Bowling Championships.
The World Bowling Tour said in a statement that “political concerns have escalated significantly” following the participation of Israeli bowlers at the Scottish International Open in August.
Three Israeli athletes had been expected to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Hopeton-on-Sea, Norfolk, but their invitations have been withdrawn.
Daniel Alomin can no longer compete in the singles, while Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi have been withdrawn from the doubles event.
“This decision was not taken lightly but was made in the best interest of the success and integrity of the event,” the statement added.
Councilor Rupert Lowe, whose Great Yarmouth constituency includes Hopton-on-Sea, said he was “really disgusted” by the decision and would “fight” it Decide.
Lowe posted on social media platform
“Sport should be a unifier and it should be above politics.”
The Council of Deputies of British Jewry said: “This blatant discriminatory behavior against Israeli participants, who were excluded solely on the basis of their nationality, is unjustified.”
The sport’s governing body, the World Bowl, which is separate from the World Bowl Tour, said Israeli players were still welcome to participate in its events.
The World Bowl said in an email to members: “We were delighted to have representatives from Israel at the recent World Bowl Junior Indoor Championships in Hong Kong, China, in early December.”
On October 7, 2023, gunmen led by Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 251 people hostage. The 14-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas This is where the war begins.
more than 45,000 Palestinians killed during the war, according to the Hamas Health Ministry in Gaza.
The figures are often disputed by the Israeli government, which says nearly 20,000 “terrorists” have been killed, but have been widely accepted by United Nations agencies.
