The South African Jewish Board issued a statement on Monday criticizing SA Rugby’s decision to withdraw an invitation to an Israeli rugby team to play in the country.
Last Friday, the governing body for rugby union in South Africa announced its decision to withdraw the invitation to the Tel Aviv Heat, who were set to play in the newly announced Mzansi Challenge.
“We have listened to the views of important interest groups and have taken this decision to prevent the competition from becoming a source of division, despite the fact that Israel is a full member of World Rugby and the IOC.” Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said at the time.
On Monday, the SA Jewish Board responded, calling the decisions “shameful” and “disgraceful.”
“The decision by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to withdraw its invitation from the Mzanzi Challenge to the Tel Aviv Heats is shameful and frankly shameful.” the statement said.
“It is appalling that the governing body of SA Rugby has given in without a fight to those whose sole aim is to boycott Israel in every possible forum, including to the detriment of South Africa itself.
“Threats, harassment and intimidation have always been, of course, the modus operandi of the [Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] BDS* movement, and that was the case in this case as well, with SARU members reportedly even receiving death threats,” he continued.
“These thug tactics are a direct attack not on the way rugby is run in South Africa, but on democracy itself.
“However, instead of taking a firm and principled position, SARU immediately capitulated. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it has since tried to justify its stance by citing concerns about the safety of players, spectators and all other stakeholders in case Israel is attacked.” allowed to participate.
“Far from being any kind of ‘justification’, this simply provides an easy victory for those who blatantly rely on threats to cause violent riots and instill fear in those they wish to intimidate into agreeing to their demands.
“Having made a decision that constitutes outright discrimination and which, by its very nature is divisive and resentful, SARU further makes the absurd claim that it was acting in the interest of maintaining social cohesion.
“A few years ago [in 2021]BDS carried out a virulent campaign aimed at preventing Miss SA Lalela Mswane from participating in the Miss Universe pageant in Israel.
“To her great credit, Lalela stood her ground against these bully tactics and went on to represent our country with honor and success.
“What a pity that in the face of similar pressure, SARU could not show the same backbone,” concluded the statement.
While SA Rugby has yet to name a team to take the place of the Tel Aviv Heat, they have nominated the Mexican Rhinos to replace them, pending General Council approval.
The Mzansi Challenge kicks off on March 24 with Diables (Spain), Simbas (Kenya), Welwitschias (Namibia) and Goshawks (Zimbabwe) joining South African Provinces, Leopards, Valke, Boland Kavaliers, Eastern Province, Border Bulldogs and SWD. Eagles.
*BDS Movement: Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is a Palestinian-led movement that promotes boycotts, divestment and economic sanctions against Israel.
