Apartheid Wall? Lebanese Judo Team Forces Olympic Organizers to Erect Barrier to Block View of Israelis
- Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:38am by
Sharona Schwartz
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Israeli judokas practice next to barrier Lebanese athletes requested (photo from Israeli Olympic Committee via Times of Israel)
Israel’s critics often call the security barrier protecting Israelis from West Bank terrorists an “apartheid wall,” so it’s ironic that Lebanon’s judo team asked Olympic officials to put up a barrier to block out any view of the Israeli team. So much for the spirit of sportsmanship.
The Times of Israel provides the details:
The Lebanese judo team at the 2012 London Olympics refused to practice next to the Israeli one on Friday afternoon, and a makeshift barrier was erected to split their gym into two halves.
According to several Hebrew sports sites, the two teams were scheduled to use the same gym and mats at London’s new ExCeL center for their final preparations. However, the delegation from Lebanon would not train in view of the Israeli team, and insisted some sort of barrier be placed between them.
Organizers accepted the Lebanese coach’s demand to separate the teams, erecting a barrier so that the Lebanese team wouldn’t see the Israeli one.
Olympic staffer puts up barrier between Lebanese and Israeli athletes (photo from Israel Olympic Committee via Times of Israel)
Reuters reports the incident occurred after “Lebanon’s two judokas found themselves next to the five Israelis during practice at the official training venue in Redbridge, in east London.” Israeli Olympic Committee Spokesman Nitzan Feraro said:
“We started to practice. They came and they saw us – they didn’t like it and they went to the organizers,” Feraro told Reuters. “They put up some kind of wall between us. Everyone went on and there was no interaction between us.”
The Lebanese Olympic Committee could not immediately be reached for comment.
Organizers of the judo competition said there were always screens available so that competing athletes and their coaching staff would not be able to spy on each other’s training.
Just last week, Iranian judoka Javad Mahjoub said he would not be playing in the Olympics “due to a gut infection.” Because he was a team member with a chance of meeting an Israeli competitor on the mat, the sudden “illness” is being widely seen as an excuse cloaking an Israel boycott.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has said that sanctions will be taken against any athlete who boycotts a competition for political reasons. CNS reports:
“We have just told all the national Olympic committees that we expect all the athletes to respect the schedule of competition and not to pull out without a good reason for competition against an athlete of another country,” Rogge told the London Guardian last month.
“If nation A does not appear at the competition against nation B we will ask for explanations,” he said. “If the explanation is not satisfactory and valid at the end of it and is not credible then we will go into cross-examination by an independent medical board. And if the medical board says it is not a genuine reason then sanctions will be taken. That is quite clear.”
Egyptian and Israeli judokas face off in February
Even when Middle Eastern nations have competed against Israel, the match hasn’t always been friendly. Last February, for example, Egyptian judoka Ramadan Darwish was called a “national hero” after refusing to shake his Israeli rival’s hand after defeating the Israeli, Arik Zeevi. Instead, Darwish yelled “Allahu Akbar” and walked away.
Because of the boycott pressures, Israeli athletes usually compete in European circuits, rather than regional ones.
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Comments (140)
trmac
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:28amAttendence couldn’t be down because ticket cost this year is $500 per event when it was $50 per event at last Olympics…I‘m sure that’s not a reason at all
Report Post »PA PATRIOT
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:21amNo “Moment of Silence” No Wall
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:38amWhy are the people being catered to in the first place. Kick them out of the Olympics. They are poor sports, liars and deceivers. They have no business around decent people. If they want to a screen, then screen the back to the dunes.
Report Post »Dano.50
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:23amThat’s for doggone sure.
The so called “spirit” of the Olympics is to put aside differences and compete in “honorably” in the field of sport.
Not that sports teaches honor, or even sportsmanship, anymore.
The Lebonese schmucks should have been told to pack up and **ss off.
Report Post »Hugh Williams
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:24amLet’s see here. The little blonde track and field athlete for Greece was forced to leave the Games because her tweet did not reflect the ideals of the Olympics. Now muslims are allowed to spread their never ending hate. Is hate now part of the Olympic ideals? The more this hate filled evil group is pandered to the worse things will become.
Report Post »RossPoldark
Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:31pmLebanese team refuses to train near Israeli athletes. Organizers forced to put up screen between Israeli, Lebanese judo fighters after latter team refuses to share mat. Muslims countries weigh partaking in Olympics due to Israeli participation. Lebanese show poor sportsmanship, but they are appeased. A few athletes sent home due to comments deemed as racist on twitter. Go figure. I guess Britastan has to appease those who dominate their country now.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:21amThe hell are the Brits thinking here? Not only them, the officials! No, this has to end ASAP.
Report Post »Here’s to the Israelis kicking their ass from here forth!
guz75
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:31amThis is down to the Lebanese you moron. It’s perfectly normal for an Olympic team to not want to train in view of another Olympic team, whatever their underlying reasoning it’s not the fault of officials. Just looking for things to be outraged by about aren’t you?
Report Post »Dflatch
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:40am@Guz, I may beleive your point if you could provide evidence of any other team doing the same thing to not Israeli’s.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:46amBrittian is so full of Muslims from their territories now that their government is swamped with these vermin.
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:49amHey Guz, it’s the freaking Olympics! Everyone is in view of each other! They can’t take seeing another team, they should hop on a plane and take their sorry butts home.
Report Post »blkold7
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:52pmThe Olympic Games are being “Hosted” by The Britts. The Britts are not “In Charge” of The Rules of The Olympic Games, The Olympic Officals are in charge. The Britts do enforce Safety & Security and provide Locations & Housing. But as far as the deciding if a Barrier Wall is erected, that is up to The Olympic Officials.
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:19amThey wanted the barrier put up, so they could have some privacy with the goat they brought for companionship.
Report Post »skippy6
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:11amJust another Country That Islam took over, Lebanon was mix of Religions before Islam came in and destroyed it… Just ask Bridget Gabriel about that wonderful religion…Or read her book “Why they hate”…..
Report Post »booger71
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:29amInto the 60′s Lebanon was 75% Christian.
Report Post »Critters58
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:06amAs I recall the Olympics were to bring people together. These people and their culture want differences and hate. They should be banned from the Olympics because of poor sportsmanship! Don’t allow this at the Olympics because you defeat the purpose of the Olympics!
Report Post »mils
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:20amDEFINITELY!. this is a game of peace?…not with these warmongers…
Report Post »so far not impressed with the olympics in general..
blackyb
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:53amIt has been proved over time that these people are so full of hate and jealousy they cannot be brought together with Israel. This is a spiritual problem that will only be cured when those against the Chosen people of God, meaning Israel, are destroyed. These Muslims have nothing but hate and have perpetuated this down through time and justified this. These people do not even think like ordinary human beings. Nothing can change this for their gene pool has been somehow altered over time until they are just the opposite of what normal people know as good. These people who antagonize and threaten Israel constantly are defying God. They hate God and anything He loves. These are those who living and dying in hate. They treat their own families like dirt, especially the women and little children. There is no way to trust them for the majority of them will lie, cheat, steal and kill and justify this by their religion. They are the opposite of the goodness that normal people strive to have. Just know who you are dealing with for they have spread this venom throughout the world and that is their goal to kill for they are miserable pieces of humanity.
Report Post »jordy2010
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:04amThanks the Blaze for censoring my comment about throwing-out a certain group of people off the Olympics!!!!
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:42amRe-post it.
Report Post »getourcountryback
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:59amScrew islam.
Report Post »Stu D. Baker-Hawk
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:21amIslam IS screwed. The Bible prophesizes bad things for these followers Allah (a false moon god) who curse Israel. It WILL happen.
Report Post »jordy2010
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:57amIf they’re so hateful, why don’t they throw all the muslims out of the Olympics???? Enough already!!!!!!
Report Post »chips1
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:27pmAfter we throw the UN out of here, why don’t we hold a free world Olympics?
Report Post »HigherRoad
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:57amI would kick the Lebanese out of the competition. If they cannot put aside their political differences and participate in the games on an equal footing with all teams, then they should be disqualified!
Report Post »poorrichard09
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:06amHow true! As you say the whole idea of the Olympics is to put aside politics for sake of friendly competition in sports! Just shows how bigoted and ugly muslims can be.
Report Post »Sineadsingh
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:59pmI can not believe how naive you people are!! Seriously are your deaf and blind? Firstly where does it say these Lebanese are Muslims?! Half the country are Christian an they still hate Israel because they are an illegal occupation, bullying any country that gets in the way of what they want. So don’t spread bull s. secondly how the hell can you put ‘political differences’ aside when Israel r forcing Palestinians from their homes, killing, bombing, bullying, raping them all to get land. Come on are u serious? Ur tellin me if the Nazis were allowed to compete you wouldn’t boycott the Olympics?!? An yes it is the same, your just to narrow minded to see, obviously because theyr Muslims and its so obvious how you hate Muslims so you don’t care. Well how disgusting does that make you, they are innocent people at the end of the day, living their lies in fear just how the Nazis treated the Jews. Open your eyes! So I say good for whoever boycotts Israel they have no right being there, they have no right to be a country because the Romans (yes Romans!) took it from them many years ago and now it’s Palestine so how dare they try come back and destroy Palestine for their own want!!! And lastly, knowing the media they have twisted the whole story, for u dumb people to beliee!!! The barrier was probably put up to hide tactics…so advice all you pathetic people who say ‘all Muslims are idiots’ to think before commenting on things they don’t have a clue on…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Old Sarge
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:54amThey get a wall, and the Greek female Triple Jumper gets sent home. Irony? Not really, just a fear of Islam. And why on earth would that be?
Report Post »amerbur
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:53amThe Lebanese should be instructed as to why this is inapporpriate, drop this request and apologize or be kicked out of the Olympics. They clearly do not understand the spirit of the Olympics.
Report Post »DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:53amThe sissy Brits are loathsome and worthy of nothing but scorn and contempt. They bend over for Muslims like a prostitute for her Johns, and for the same reason.
Report Post »Maximus_Delta
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:53amSo one Olympian speaks out and is banned for racial remarks, and another racist (Lebanese) cries and throws a temper tantrum and they are pampered and coddled and given a baby bottle… What bunch of sewer socialist the Olympic committee have become…
Report Post »bejenin
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:53amWhat a disgrace these Olympic games have become. The Muslim world has taken over. Disgusting that they couldn’t give a moment of silence for the Jews killed by Palestinans And women have to now cover up?WTF?
Report Post »If they hate the Israelis/Jews so much I think they shouldn’t use Israeli/Jewish invented products. That includes all in medicine, agriculture, information technology, etc. Let’s see how far these backward, camel humpig lowlifes will get.
I won’t watch the Olympics now or in the future. THey have become very boring. And now very political. THE OIC is about as useful as the UN.
Dflatch
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:38amExcellent point about not using Jewish invented products however I disagree with the name calling even tho I understand the anger behind it. If we lower our standards then we cheapen our ideals, just a skosh at first but it’s a slippery slope to start down and I work on myself daily to try and not allow myself to be a causal factor.
Report Post »freedom4ever
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:42amthey are an arm of the un – that‘s why i can’t stand to watch them!
Report Post »MAX0O1
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:48amTHE LORD will turn his back on all those who turn their backs on ISRAEL!
Report Post »Alvin691
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:48amBut the Olympics aren’t political, or so we were told (lied).
Report Post »txbigfoot
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:45amTell them to man up and get over it. The answer, is no.
Report Post »So, if they get paired up are they going to default? If so, kick them out.
barber2
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:58amAgree. To tout the aim of inclusion and fellowship ( remember that is why the Olympics could not have that minute of silence to honor the dead Israeli athletes – too divisive ) and then to let these petulant jerks display such behavior is not only wrong . This shows that , like our international Lefties, the Olympics are tainted with a political agenda. Or as Joe Wilson once said , ” You lie.”
Report Post »cassandra
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:42amI could care less about the OLYMPICS now , won’t watch them
Report Post »RRFlyer
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:57amI love the Olympics I will watch as much as I can.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:37amThe British media , while critical of Romney’s Olympic remarks ( the international Lefties and their Lap Dog Propaganda media love fellow Lefty Obama and relishes any chance to slam his conservative competition), has spent the last 2 days grousing about the empty seats. Guess they can gripe but no capitalist from America ?! ). Also noticed one comment which implied that they thought “ corporate sponsors ” were responsible ??!! So will this just be another chance for our international Far Left to launch another ” anti-capitalism” rocket off of the their Marxist Ship of Fools ? No wonder Europe is such an economic mess these days. Looney Tunes of the International Left !
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:59amAs the International Olympic committee continues to bow like 0bama to any of the Muslim requests, all the while poking their collective fingers into Israel’s eye, I am fed up with them. So far, I have not bothered to watch any of this and am looking forward to it’s ending.
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:57amThey should just call the Olympics, “The United Nations Games”
Just like the U.N. The Olympics are a @#$%^ Joke!
Yep, you people keep voting for your Muslim Brotherhood influenced Obama!
Report Post »WW3 isn’t coming, It’s already here! Wake up!
cassandra
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:40amRANDY you got that right , this is BS the Olympics is suppose to be about athletes competing NOT POLITICS they should have told the muslims to go home if they can’t leave their politics out of the games, I hope the Israelies kick their azz
Report Post »jharper
Posted on July 30, 2012 at 5:13pmThe UN actually “over saw” the massacre in Rwanda.
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:54amAs in so many things— the Olympics has been highjacked by political and religious ideologies to create a platform to advance policies.
It seems less about althetic accomplishment, personal dedication and hard work!
What a shame!
Report Post »historyguy48
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:51amComrades, just some more wonderful socialist double speak known as political correctness. Aren’t you glad to know that the Olympics are a haven from the political ills of the world? That‘s why the murders at Munich aren’t being remembered, or the ones in Atlanta. I am so proud of our wonderful socialist leaders, I’m certain that Adolph and Joe would be also!
Report Post »This reminds me somewhat of the games in Germany when a certain American athlete from Ohio State caused so much heartache for the Leader of Germany.
randy
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:59amHistory repeating itself?
Report Post »Wasn’t long after, WWII started.
Godzgrl247
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 8:34amI’m so glad that you brought up the killings in Munich! Thank you for saying everything I was going to say!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:04amRANDY: I think the storm clouds are on the horizon. So much hate out there : now against “ capitalism” which is just a repeat of the old French Revolution, Nazi scapegoating , etc : The “ have nots” wanting what the “ haves ” have ! Same old greedy human nature : can send a man to the moon but you can’t rid the mankind of envy and hate – especially when political leaders and religious sickos play upon man’s baser nature.
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on July 29, 2012 at 7:43amThe Olympics have become a political joke.
Report Post »Have no interest in it.