Aims | Why | Do it yourself

International sporting events can play an important role in shaping a country's image in the rest of the world. A sporting boycott of Israel would send a powerful message that its policy of occupation, expulsion and racism against Palestinians is unacceptable.

Swiss activists disrupts Israel's World Cup qualifier, September 2007

Aims

To stop Israel from promoting itself as a “fair player” via the participation of its sporting teams and individuals in international and bilateral competitions and to raise public awareness about discrimination and occupation of Palestinians. Exclude Israel from sporting events and within global competitions such as the World Cup, Olympics etc. Promote Palestinian presence and right to participate in international sporting events as a way to support their right to identity and self-determination.

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Why

Major sports event emphasise fair play and sportsmanship, and confer international recognition and status on participating countries. In the past, sports boycotts have been used in exceptional circumstances. In the case of apartheid South Africa, the sports boycott effectively sent a message to the regime and its backers that the international community did not accept the institutionalised racism practised by the regime. South Africa’s exclusion from all major official competitions from the late 1960s and 1970s played an important role in isolating the regime and its supporters. A common reaction to proposals for a sporting boycott is that politics and sport should not mix. The reality in for Palestinians is that politics and sport are inextricably linked. Israel has imposed a de facto ban on Palestinian sport and leisure activities, and the freedom enjoyed by Israeli athletes and teams comes at the expense of Palestinians who are deprived of the right to participate in sports from a local to international level.

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In August 2007 the Palestine national youth football team were refused visas to enter UK for a three week tour. The official reason given was that the Palestinians are too poor to be trusted to return home. The devastation visited on the Palestinian economy by the occupation means that Palestinian sportsmen are prevented from representing their country on the international stage. The Occupation barred the Palestinian national youth team was from re-entering Gaza for over a month after they competed in Jordan in June 2007. Palestinians with Israeli ID cannot access the same resources, materials and funding as Jewish citizens. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Occupation has stifled the functioning of sports associations and institutions, and bombed leisure facilities used by Palestinian youths. Palestinian children in Gaza have been assassinated while playing football. Israeli control over all borders and movement has made it impossible for Palestinian sporting teams to assemble and travel for national and international games and tournaments.

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For the other component of the Palestinian people, the refugees, access to sports and leisure is often dictated by what facilities are available in the refugee camps. The exile of the refugees means they are unable to participate in the national sporting institutions of their country. Back to top In preparations for the 2006 World Cup, players from Gaza had to wait for weeks at the Rafah border – controlled by Israel – to join their team-mates in Egypt. The one grass pitch in Gaza was blown up by an Israeli missile. With no pitch, the team were forced to play their "home" match in a virtually empty stadium in Qatar. During preparations, the players from Gaza had five of their friends killed by an Israeli air strike. Jerome Champagne, Fifa deputy general secretary, refused to allow the team to reschedule their crucial qualifying match stating that: "football cannot go faster than politics". Discrimination against Palestinians in sport is rife in Israeli institutions. The Hebrew University attracted criticism when it was revealed that the sports centre intended to serve students was refusing membership to Arabs not affiliated to the University, while accepting Jewish applicants. These conditions imposed by the Israelis have created the conditions where it is impossible for Palestinian sport to thrive.

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Do it yourself

For the BDS campaign to be successful, fans, players and sporting institutions need to be drawn into concerted lobbying efforts. The first step is to transform perceptions of Israel, building a climate in which teams and players refuse to play in Israeli sports grounds, not because of any potential “danger” or “risk”, but as a statement of protest against Israel's occupation and apartheid.

1. Identifying and lobbying clubs who maintain relations with Israel

Sports clubs and individuals that maintain relations with Israel can be targeted and lobbied to break off those relations in response to Israeli policies against the Palestinians people. Relations might include: Participating in sporting events with Israeli teams or athletes; Investments in Israeli companies; Sponsorship with deals with Israeli companies / government; Other financial relationships with Israel; Board members, managers or owners who voice support for Israeli policies; Design / merchandising produced by Israeli companies.

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2. Lobbying pro-Palestinian sports bodies, clubs and personalities

Activists can identify and lobby sports personalities, teams and official bodies who will speak out for Palestine. Individuals can be persuaded to make public their objections to Israeli participation in sporting events, and to lobby for Palestinian clubs to be allowed to join international competitions. Campaigners can work to promote the development of Palestinian sports and expose the discrimination and attacks of the occupation on Palestinian leisure facilities and bodies.

3. Lobbying sports personalities who lend their support to Israel

Israel derives significant support from sporting personalities. In a recent example, ex-England football star John Barnes promoted an “anti-racism” campaign for Israel, which is particularly ironic in a state based on the racist exclusion of the indigenous population. Individuals lending their tacit support for Israel in this way can be made aware of the issues, and lobbied to speak out for Palestine. Individuals who promote Zionism should be publicly condemned.

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Check out the Activist material and links for resources.