‘This is how you deal with bullies’ World Bowls Tour overturns ban on Israelis following politicians’ outrage

— UK Lawyers For Israel (@UKLFI) December 31, 2024

They claimed that: “This was absolutely not our intention; however as we made clear, we had found ourselves in a very difficult position in relation to the security of the venue and to the competitors and other attendees.”

But that “over the past 48 hours we have been exploring practical ways in which our concerns could be overcome, so as to enable the invitation to PBA Israel to be reinstated … The WBT Board is accordingly satisfied that this increased level of security which will be in place is sufficient to be able to welcome the PBA Israel Team to the event”.

The JC has reported that the Norfolk Palestine Solidarity Campaign (NPSC) launched a social media campaign, calling on the event’s venue, Hopton Potters Resort in Great Yarmouth, to boycott the Israeli bowlers.

WBT had originally claimed that it made the decision not to allow Israelis to participate after challenges involving the participation of an Israeli player at the Scottish International Open in November.

Shalom Ben Ami withdrew after more than 4,000 people signed a petition, organised by Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card (The Red Card Group) and Scottish Sport for Palestine (SSP), against his participation.

The decision to prevent Israelis from taking part was met with widespread outrage.

Over 100 parliamentarians, including shadow home secretary Chris Philp, Conservative Friends of Israel Chair Suella Braverman and former Labour Deputy leader Lord Watson had signed a letter urging the WBT to reverse their decision.

Another signatory, JC director Lord Ian Austin, posted on X that: “It’s good the ban was dropped. Sports bodies, businesses, universities & other bodies must stand up to BDS & racist campaigns to single out the world’s only Jewish state”.

The Board of Deputies, who were “appalled” by the original decision, said it was “right” that it had been reversed.

Senior Vice President Adrian Cohen said that: “Sports bodies are now facing the same sort of intimidation from extreme pro-Palestine groups that the Jewish community, UK politicians, and businesses with real or imagined links to Israel, have faced for more than a year.

He continued: “As a society, 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.”

Rupert Lowe MP – who represents Great Yarmouth where the competition is to be held – said in a post on social media that: “the decision has been reversed following public pressure.”

“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 member of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK went on to say.

A government spokesperson told the JC that they welcomed: "the decision from the World Bowls Tour to reverse the withdrawal of the invitation to the PBA Israel Team."