Organizers of the Swimming World Cup meet in Qatar may be in
hot water after omitting the Israeli flag from parts of the competition.
Viewers watching Sunday’s contest may have noticed that
Israel’s flag was absent from computer graphics and the country’s name was only
shown as “IRS,” instead of Israel, according to a report in the Times of
Israel.
In several races, organizers showed a plain, white flag
instead of the Israeli one, and failed to broadcast some races featuring
Israeli swimmers. The Israeli flag—which features the Star of David symbol—was
also removed from the venue in Doha.
Swimmer Amit Ivri won silver in the women’s 100-meter
individual medley and broke an Israeli record, but described her experience at
the games as “highly unpleasant.” She also pointed out that the Israeli flag
was raised when she received her medal.
“I’d much rather not talk about politics,” Ivri told Army
Radio.
Ivri told reporters she’s had a warmer reception at previous
races in Dubai. Gal Nevo-- who finished fifth in the men’s 200-meter individual
medley in Qatar-- said Israel was airbrushed from the graphics in the early
stages of the Dubai event, but that later there was “an improvement” in the
situation.
Israeli lawmaker Yoel Rozbozov called the treatment of the
Israeli delegation “shameful to all participants,” and says he plans to file an
official complaint with the International Olympic Committee and the
International Swimming Federation.
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