Israeli tennis player jeered by pro-Palestinian protestors in New Zealand
11 January 2010
Police in Auckland, New Zealand, have arrested eight pro-Palestinian protestors after they repeatedly disturbed matches of the Israeli tennis player Shahar Pe’er. 'Global Peace and Justice Auckland', held protests outside Peer’s matches at the ASB Classic Tournament for four days to protest against Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
John Minto, the spokesman of the group and one of the eight men who were arrested, said that last year’s protests in Auckland against Peer had played a major factor in the United Arab Emirates deciding not to grant her a visa to play in Dubai a month later. Minto’s group was charged with disorderly behavior after chanting with megaphones outside the tennis grounds.
The 22-year-old Israeli player, who lost her semi-final match, said: “Unfortunately I have to deal with politics because of where I come from. It is not fair because I have nothing to do with politics, I am only a tennis player who wants to enjoy the tour like the other players."
Peer added: "It is not easy to hear someone shouting your name and asking you to go away and withdraw from the tournament."
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What surpised me in this story not the protest itself, but the fact that Aukland police alowed protesters to be there for four days. They should be removed the moment they started.
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World Jewish Congress Secretary General Dan Diker speaks on the upcoming debate at the United Nations about the unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians.
Estus, over 2 years ago
It's a shame for someone to to be so disrespectful to another innocent person of Israel. I believe G-D will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her. G-D's covenant with HIS people is ETERNAL!!
The world will be so much better if people can learn to LOVE people, and not become so involve in the politics of this world!