Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on January 30, 2022

Jonathan Liews decision to attack my support for sports projects in Israel as sportswashing is perhaps the most ringing endorsement of why such bridge-building efforts are needed (Sportswashing is associated with certain countries why not Israel?, 24 January).

When our liberal and open country holds its massive annual Gay Pride parade the largest (if not the only one) in the Middle East, Israel is accused of pinkwashing. When Israel leads in environmental issues and breakthroughs in climate change technologies, Israel is accused of greenwashing. When our generous and supremely capable NGOs like IsraAid or Save a Childs Heart provide support to communities in need around the world, we are accused of aidwashing.

The reality is that for some, Israel must and can only be viewed through the prism of a conflict forced upon us. This kind of monochromatic myopia washes away the Palestinian leaderships decades-long refusal to make peace, as well as Hamass commitment to terrorism and outright refusal to recognise Israels right to exist.

My sports initiatives, on the other hand, look to move beyond the conflict, building lasting bonds of coexistence and understanding across our complex region. A recent initiative included saving 167 Afghan women mostly sportswomen from the Taliban, through a daring and complex operation, when most of the world stood silent.

I would presume that Mr Liew has not been to Israel, and has not seen for himself what is a complex and multifaceted society and reality. He is welcome to do so at my invitation. I just hope he wont accuse me of truthwashing.Sylvan AdamsTel Aviv, Israel

Read more:

My support for sports projects in Israel is not sportswashing - The Guardian

Category: Israel
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