The Olympian quadruple Mohammed Ahmed is one of the 413 Canadian signatories calling Tennis Canada to cancel the Davis Cup meeting against Israel planned in Halifax in September.
The letter was sent in the context of an increasing condemnation of the conduct of Israel in Gaza and in the West Bank. The missive quotes legal experts and human rights organizations that qualify this conduct of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The signatories underline that Canada has already imposed sanctions against high Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir-a decision also made by the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Norway-and claim that it would be inconceivable
to maintain competition.
Ahmed, a runner from St. Catharines, Ontario was a silver medalist at 5000 m at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Among the signatories are also three special and special rapporteurs of the United Nations, two Palestinian players of the national team of Soccer today students at York University, as well as Hernan Humana, former Olympic beach volleyball coach and current professor in York.
Vasek Pospisil in a match between Canada and Israel at the Davis Cup in September 2011.
Photo : The Associated Press / Ariel Schalit
The letter refers to other athletes around the world who refused to face Israeli adversaries, and calls on national sports organizations to prohibit Canadians from participating in international competitions against Israelis.
She claims that sport has historically been used to promote a national feeling linked to both genocide
and to the dismantling of Apartheid states
adding: This is an important moment for Sport Canada and Tennis Canada in order to promote social justice and to be on the right side of history.
Arrested by Radio-Canada for this purpose, the Canadian Federation indicated that it recognizes the very complex situation which takes place currently in the Middle East. As a national sports organization, our mission is to promote tennis and create opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts to engage in this sport with a spirit of respect and inclusion.
In writing, Tennis Canada adds that (Its) main concern remains to ensure a security, fair and professional competition for all athletes, staff, volunteers and spectators. We will continue to work in close collaboration with the ITF and the competent authorities so that this event takes place in accordance with international sports standards, with the well-being of all participants as absolute priority.
The meeting in Scotiabank Center will determine what nation will access the qualifications of the Davis 2026 Cup. Canada was relegated to the World group 1 after a 3-2 defeat against Hungary in the first round qualification match in February in Montreal.
The last time Canada hosted a Davis Cup meeting in Halifax dates back to 2016 when it had beaten Chile 5-0.
Canada had beaten Israel 3-2 during their last confrontation in 2011 in Ramat Hasharon.
With Canadian press information
