Israeli athletes removed from Northern Irish triathlon amid BDS pressure, fears for safety

Four Israeli athletes will not compete in the City of Derry Triathlon after the Israeli National Federation asked organisers to remove them from the entry list. The North West Triathlon Club said it could not support their participation because of concerns about athlete and public safety.

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This is not a position directed at anyone because of their religion or ethnicity, nor is it hostility towards an individual simply because they were born in Israel.

The club said the decision was not directed at anyone because of religion or ethnicity. It described the move instead as a position on Israel’s representation in international sport and what it called an attempt to present normality while Palestinians continue to suffer.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland told the BBC that it had become aware of potential protest activity connected with the event. Europe Triathlon, which manages selection and confirmation for the Europe Triathlon Cup under World Triathlon rules, said it was confident the race could proceed safely.

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It is a position concerning representation of the State of Israel in international sport and the attempt to present normality on the international sporting stage while Palestinians continue to suffer.

The decision was welcomed by the Derry Anti War Coalition, which described the removal of the Israeli athletes as a victory for the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign. It also prompted condemnation from a pro-Israeli politician and a Jewish community leader, opening a wider dispute over the use of sporting events for political boycotts.

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delighted that the triathletes from Israel will no longer be participating in the City of Derry Triathlon.