First there was the Good News!
Bahrain's Jawher wins in Tiberias
By JEREMY LAST
Bahrain's Mushir Salem Jawher claimed an historic victory in the 30th Tiberias Marathon on Thursday, the first time an athlete representing the Arab state has even competed in Israel. (photo credit)
and then the Bad News!
Bahraini athlete loses citizenship for competing in Israeli marathon
By Rami Hipsch and Yair Ben Ami, Haaretz Correspondents and The Associated Press
MANAMA, Bahrain - Authorities have revoked the Bahraini citizenship of an athlete who ran in an Israeli marathon, the nation's athletic union said Saturday.
Mushir Salem Jawher competed in and won the Tiberias Marathon in Israel on Thursday, ending the race in just over 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Bahrain, like most Arab states, does not recognize Israel.
When I have to translate and explain the English term "sportsmanship" to my students, I think of the Jewish concept of "derech eretz." The literal translation of the words is "the way of the land," but it has to do with interpersonal relations. In sports, you have the boxers shaking hands before pummeling each other in the ring. And in tennis they shake hands after the match.
There are also penalties in sports if a player argues with a "judge" or tries to injure an opponent. And of course there are rules to the games, and they can't be changed mid-course.
In most international sports leagues, a country is penalized if it refuses to play a certain country. Now, what will happen to Bahrain because of this anti-Israel government decision? Or will it be like most anti-Israel acts, smoothed over and ignored? Somehow, the world accepts anti-Semitism, like it accepts hail, thunder and other natural phenomena.
2 comments:
I believe that when the Prophecies concerning Messiah - both Jewish and Christian - are ultimately fulfilled, the Jewish people will finally be rewarded for the oppression they have endured for the sake of GOD's Word. It angers me when supposedly intelligent people act as if the Arabs - Muslims - need a pass on their savage, uncivilized behavior because of a perceived need to be "fair" when dealing with them. If they act like ravening beasts they should expect and receive punishment. Not a pat on the head.
Disinheriting a man because he runs in a race in Israel is childish behavior. But it isn't surprising at all. That is the way of the Muslim, in my humble opinion.
exactly
I feel sorry for the guy
Post a Comment