Organizers of frisbee match in Belgium say Israelis prohibited from participating
Cnaan Lidor is The Times of Israel's Jewish World reporter
Organizers of an international frisbee tournament in Belgium announce that the Israeli team is prohibited from participating due to security concerns tied to anti-Israel protests.
The European Ultimate Federation announces the move following the postponement of all matches on Tuesday, which was supposed to be the first day of the European Youth Ultimate Championship 2024 in Gent, Belgium, after anti-Israel activists spray-painted slogans on a tournament venue in the village of De Pinte near Gent.
The Federation’s statement says that the municipality of Gent “prohibits the participation of the Israeli delegation” and “the presence of the Israeli delegation” as well as “any references related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
“We are disappointed to have to make this sad announcement and for the overall outcome for all teams who have worked so hard to train and get to the event. We must however respect and follow the instructions given by the authorities,” said the statement.
The tournament is to resume today without the 33 Israeli athletes who traveled to Belgium to attend the event, which comprises hundreds of competitors from 11 countries.
A municipal decree by Gent’s city government states that “there is a high risk of public order disruption due to the presence of an Israeli” and that “organizations oppose Israel’s participation in the tournament due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.”
The Israeli team would not immediately comment on the decision, a spokesperson tells The Times of Israel.
