'Victory!' World Bowls Tour WILL let Israeli bowlers play as UK championship beefs up security against pro-Palestine 'intimidation'
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GB NEWS
The World Bowls Tour (WBT) has confirmed it will allow Israeli athletes to participate after a mass outcry against a "ban" on the Jewish state's participation at its event.
The Tour, which runs the World Indoor Bowls Championships - slated to take place just outside Great Yarmouth in January - had barred Israeli competitors after security concerns were raised over a "concerted campaign from a pro-Palestine mob".
Organisers had faced challenges "regarding the involvement of Israeli bowlers" at a previous Championships in Scotland, and were forced to make the "difficult decision" to withdraw Israel's invitation.
But after pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, local MP Rupert Lowe, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the UK Jewish community at large, the WBT has found a way to make things work.
'Wonderful news - 2025 is the year we fight back against the hate mob,' Reform UK's Rupert Lowe said
GETTYAn apologetic letter from the WBT to Israel's bowlers association president Zvika Hadar said that "following discussions with various partner agencies, we have been able to confirm today an increase in the security presence at the event".
The Tour said their "sole consideration" behind the move had been the "safety and security of all participants, staff and attendees involved in the tournament".
It added that it now looks forward to welcoming Israeli bowlers Daniel Alomin, Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi to the event.
Jewish advocacy group the Board of Deputies of British Jews said it welcomed the apology and reversal - but warned of the threat of "extreme pro-Palestine groups" facing the Jewish community.
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The Board of Deputies of British Jews wished all participating a successful tournament
GETTY
Its senior vice-president Adrian Cohen said: "We need to stand up to the bullies who call for discriminatory practices that may be a breach of equalities legislation, and undermine the cohesion of our society.
"We wish all participating a successful tournament."
Meanwhile, UK Lawyers for Israel hailed the back-track as a "victory" for Israeli bowlers - its chief executive Jonathan Turner said: "We are very pleased that the WBT Board has reversed its illegal decision to exclude the Israeli players.
"The absolute prohibition on direct discrimination in UK law is deliberate and ensures that those providing services cannot justify discrimination on grounds of pressure or threats from bigots," he added.
And Reform UK's Rupert Lowe, in whose constituency the Championships will take place, said it was "fantastic news to finish the year".
Writing on social media, Lowe said: "This is how you deal with the bullies taking to the streets of OUR country every weekend. Stand up to them, don't accept their hateful tactics.
"The Israeli team will be welcomed in Great Yarmouth, and I wish them well for the event.
"The World Bowls Tour have made the right decision. I thank them for that, and their apology to the individuals involved.
"Wonderful news - 2025 is the year we fight back against the hate mob."
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