[WCUSP] young Palestinian football (soccer) players

[yvonne simmons]

I am writing to you today to express my surprise and
shock about the news that the Palestine National Youth
Football Team, due to arrive in England on 21 August,
has been denied visas to play in the United Kingdom . 
This decision was apparently made at the highest
diplomatic level.

 

To discriminate against young Palestinians in this
way, at a time of extreme suppression by Israel in the
Occupied Palestinian Territories , which is being
judged more and more harshly by world opinion and
civil society, is indeed a shame.  The event is
supposed to be a peaceful sports event and sets yet
another example of discrimination by Europe against
the Arab world.  This is especially harmful when it
concerns young people.   I would assume that there is
no such discrimination against young Israelis applying
to enter the United Kingdom for such an event.

 

The East-West Divan Orchestra, conducted by the
renowned Daniel Barenboim, which has achieved world
acclaim, has young musicians from different parts of
the Arab world, including Palestine , as well as young
Israelis.  They are welcomed with open arms. 

 

Many of us who are peace activists, and even others
who are not active, are longing for  peace in Israel
and Palestine and an end to the Israeli occupation. 
While we have been, thus far, unable to achieve this,
we believe it is important to give young Palestinians
a perspective and hope for the future.  In addition,
we are not ignoring the behaviour of young Israeli
soldiers   in the Occupied Palestinian Territories who
are not discriminated against when they travel abroad.
  

 

The granting of visas for this young team, which
intended to come to England for a peaceful sports
event, would give a positive message, not only in
England but in many other countries, as well.  To
refuse them because they are too poor to be trusted to
return home (as I understand it, this was the official
reason given) is incredible.

 

I sincerely hope that the Government of the United
Kingdom will reconsider this decision.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

Paula Abrams-Hourani

Jewish Voice for a Just Peace ( Austria )

Women in Black ( Vienna ) 




       
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