UAE Judo Event Reinstated After Federation Pledges to Treat Israeli Athletes Equally

In a previous post, I discussed the suspension by the International Judo Federation of one judo competition in the United Arab Emirates and one in Tunisia over anti-Israel discrimination [see blog]. I discussed discrimination in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the UAE event, in a post from 2017 [see blog].

On September 4, 2018, Arutz Shiva reported that the International Judo Federation has decided to reinstate the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam after the United Arab Emirates Judo federation confirmed that it would allow all participating nations to compete “in equal conditions.”¹ The International Judo Federation made clear that this would include Israel, stating that the “historic decision will thus allow all nations to display their national insignia and national anthem, including Israel.” (Emphasis added.) The suspension of events in Tunisia remains in effect.

The International Judo Federation deserves immense credit for standing on principle and taking action when host countries discriminated against Israeli athletes. Their actions should stand as an example to other organizations that are too easily intimidated by Israeli boycotts or other forms of discrimination. Wherever one may stand on geopolitical issues, Israeli judoka should be able to compete under the same terms and conditions as all of their fellow athletes.

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1. Benari, Elad. “UAE judo competition to treat Israelis equally.” Arutz Sheva 7. Sep. 4, 2018. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/251558