The Olympic Code says that there can be no discrimination between competitors, however, when the Lebanese Judo team would not practice in the same gymnasium as the Israelis, they were granted special dispensation. A curtain was erected between the teams so that both teams could practice without seeing the other.
On top of that the requested "moment of silence" for the Israeli athletes killed In Munich was not allowed. This insult along with the Lebanese snub indicates that when it comes to Israel, all the rules of polite Olympic society do not apply.
Isn't it time that the Olympic Code is applied to all? Our belief is should they not want to be around Israelis, they can leave and not compete.
Read more: http://forward.com/articles/160077/lebanese-olympians-shun-israelis-in-practice/#ixzz22RAh0mrs
On top of that the requested "moment of silence" for the Israeli athletes killed In Munich was not allowed. This insult along with the Lebanese snub indicates that when it comes to Israel, all the rules of polite Olympic society do not apply.
Isn't it time that the Olympic Code is applied to all? Our belief is should they not want to be around Israelis, they can leave and not compete.
Lebanese Olympians Shun Israelis in Practice
By Simi Lampert
Published July 27, 2012.
The Lebanese judo team refused to practice alongside the Israeli team on Friday afternoon, the Times of Israel reported.
A barrier had to be put up between the teams, effectively splitting the gym in half. Olympic organizers ceded to the Lebanese coach’s demands so the Lebanese team would not have to see the Israelis, who had originally been slotted to use the same gym and mats.
This incident comes days after Iran’s judoka Javad Mahjoob was kept home instead of joining his countrymen in the Olympics, citing stomach problems. Suspicions immediately arose that he was avoiding competing against Israeli judo athletes.
Iran has made and retracted various statements over the past months, giving alternate explanations of whether its athletes would or would not compete against Israelis.
Read more: http://forward.com/articles/160077/lebanese-olympians-shun-israelis-in-practice/#ixzz22RAh0mrs
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