Andrew Feinstein, Omar Barghouti, and Chris Rose discuss why Israel competes in European contests despite war on Gaza. The controversy over Israel's participation in international sports, the role of sponsors and advertisers in the decision, public opinion, peaceful disruption, Eurovision participation, and the role of broadcasting organizations in Israel's actions in Gaza are explored.
Sporting organizations like UEFA and FIFA are criticized for allowing Israel's participation in events despite accusations of genocide and human rights abuses.
Public opinion and activism can influence sporting organizations' decisions, with calls for disruptive peaceful protests and pressure on sponsors to create change.
Deep dives
Israel's participation in international sports competitions
There is an ongoing debate about whether Israel should be allowed to participate in international sports competitions due to its actions in Palestine. Critics argue that Israel's war on Gaza and its settler colonial apartheid regime should disqualify it from competition. They point to the international court of justice's suggestion of plausible evidence of genocide committed by Israel in Gaza. Comparisons are made to the sports boycotts that played a crucial role in ending apartheid in South Africa. Advocates for the boycott of Israel argue that it is a moral judgment and a reflection of human rights, not mere politics. They assert that Israel's ongoing genocide and violation of international law, such as settlements in Palestinian territories, should lead to its exclusion from sporting events.
Responsibility of sporting organizations
Sporting organizations, such as UEFA and FIFA, face criticism for their handling of controversial participants. Critics argue that these organizations often fail to take a moral lead and instead prioritize commercial interests. They highlight instances where countries like Russia were excluded from competitions following international pressure, while Israel's participation is allowed despite accusations of genocide and human rights abuses. Calls for sporting bodies to have more robust policies and criteria for excluding countries are made. Some suggest the establishment of an independent body to make decisions, free from political influence. Additionally, sponsors and advertisers are seen as having a significant role to play, as their withdrawal of support can pressure sporting organizations to reconsider their decisions.
Public opinion and the power of protest
Public opinion and activism are seen as vital in influencing sporting organizations' decisions. Critics argue that the voices of football fans and citizens hold the potential to force sporting and cultural bodies to rethink their positions. The Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) movement calls for disruptive peaceful protests at major sporting events like the Olympics and Eurovision, urging the global south to rebel against Western colonial domination. There is a growing movement demanding the withdrawal of support for Israel's participation in these events. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to boycott and pressure sponsors to create change. The need for accountability and democratization within sporting bodies is emphasized, as they are seen as part of a tiny global elite that operates to enrich themselves, often disregarding moral and ethical considerations.
European organisations have no plans to ban Israel from events such as the UEFA football championships and Eurovision song contest, despite its war on Gaza. Why does Israel compete in Europe? And why are European organisations defending its continued participation?
In this episode:
Andrew Feinstein, Writer and campaigner.
Omar Barghouti, Co-founder of the Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions movement.
Chris Rose, Director of Amos Trust, a creative human rights organisation.
