Israeli athletes removed from triathlon start list in Derry
Four Israeli athletes were removed from the final start list for the City of Derry Triathlon in Derry, Northern Ireland. Organizers confirmed that the final list contains no athletes representing Israel.
According to the Jerusalem Post, citing the BBC, this occurred after the Israeli national federation requested that all registered Israeli athletes be removed from the list. The North West Triathlon Club, which organizes the competition, had previously stated that it could not support their participation due to concerns for the safety of athletes and the public.
Position of organizers and police
North West Triathlon Club said that this position was not directed against people because of their religion, ethnicity, or the fact that they were born in Israel. At the same time, the club linked it to the representation of the State of Israel in international sport amid the suffering of Palestinians.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland told the BBC that it had learned of possible protest activity in connection with the competition if Israelis took part. The event website states that the selection and confirmation of participants for the Europe Triathlon Cup competition are carried out by Europe Triathlon under World Triathlon rules, while the local organizing committee does not compile the international start list.
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Following discussions with the local organizing committee and the national federation, Europe Triathlon said it was confident that the race could be held safely and that safety and comfortable conditions could be ensured for all athletes.
Reactions to the removal of athletes
The anti-Zionist group Derry Anti War Coalition welcomed the absence of Israeli triathletes from the competition on social media. Members of Derry City Council also called it a victory for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.
Julie Middleton, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Foyle constituency, said the competition was meant to demonstrate the city's hospitality and openness, but instead became associated with the exclusion of athletes because they are Israeli. Michael Black, deputy chair of the Belfast Jewish community, called the situation disappointing and said sport should not be used to divide people.
The Israeli Embassy in London described the club's position as deeply concerning and called for Israeli athletes to be granted the same right to participate as athletes of other nationalities.
