No normalization! PA honors fencers who refused to compete against Israelis
“On behalf of Chairman of the Palestine Olympic Committee Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Fencing Association Daoud Mitwali honored the Kuwaiti fencers who refused to compete against Israeli fencers”
Refusal to compete considered an “awe-inspiring and noble position” and “appreciated” by Rajoub
At different international competitions Kuwaiti fencers have refused to compete against Israeli opponents. The PA considers this an “awe-inspiring and noble position.” In fact, the PA is so pleased with this that the PLO Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Jibril Rajoub apparently instructed the Chairman of the Palestinian Fencing Association Daoud Mitwali to “honor” the Kuwaiti fencers at the recent Asian Under 23 Fencing Championship:
“On behalf of Chairman of the Palestine Olympic Committee Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Fencing Association Daoud Mitwali honored the Kuwaiti fencers who refused to compete against Israeli fencers in international competitions…
Daoud Mitwali thanked the fencers on behalf of Head of the [PLO] Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Jibril Rajoub for their awe-inspiring and noble position and for their stepping down from competing against the Israeli fencers out of opposition to normalization in the field of sports. He said that this position is appreciated by Rajoub and the Palestinian sports community. Mitwali also conveyed to them the blessings of Secretary-General of the Supreme Council [for Youth and Sports] Minister Issam Al-Qaddumi.”
[Official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Oct. 11, 2022]
It is important to note that Mitwali specifically mentioned that the refusal to compete against Israelis was “appreciated by Rajoub.” Palestinian Media Watch has exposed that Rajoub avidly advocates against “normalization” with Israel in every sporting forum. In many instances, Rajoub’s anti-normalization stance breach the rules and regulations of the different sporting bodies and PMW has submitted complaints to FIFA and the International Olympic Committee against him over his position.
The following is a longer excerpt of the report on the PA’s appreciation of the Kuwaiti fencers' refusal to meet Israelis in the fencing arena:
Headline: “On the sidelines of the Asian Under 23 Fencing Championship – Palestine honors fencers from Kuwait who oppose normalization”
“On behalf of Chairman of the Palestine Olympic Committee Jibril Rajoub, Chairman of the Palestinian Fencing Association Daoud Mitwali honored the Kuwaiti fencers who refused to compete against Israeli fencers in international competitions. The honoring took place on the sidelines of the Asian Under 23 Fencing Championship, which is being held in [Kuwait City,] the capital of Kuwait…
Daoud Mitwali thanked the fencers on behalf of Head of the [PLO] Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Jibril Rajoub for their awe-inspiring and noble position and for their stepping down from competing against the Israeli fencers out of opposition to normalization in the field of sports. He said that this position is appreciated by Rajoub and the Palestinian sports community. Mitwali also conveyed to them the blessings of Secretary-General of the Supreme Council [for Youth and Sports] Minister Issam Al-Qaddumi.”
[Official PA daily Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, Oct. 11, 2022]
Jibril Rajoub also serves as Fatah Central Committee Secretary, Chairman of the Palestinian Football Association, and Chairman of the Palestinian Scout Association (PSA).