The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban the Israeli government from official participation or recognition in the 2024 Olympics in response to its genocide in Gaza, just as the IOC did to Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
Since last year, over 39,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children, have been brutally killed by the Israeli government’s indiscriminate attacks across the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The IOC has previously taken a strong stance against violations of international law by banning Russia and ally Belarus from competition for its invasion of Ukraine, citing a “blatant violation” of the Olympic Truce. As a result, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to compete under their country’s flag or anthem this summer.
SEE: Russian, Belarusian athletes barred from Paris Olympics
Human rights activists have noted that it would be hypocritical and a glaring double standard for the IOC to enforce such measures against Russia and Belarus while allowing the Israeli government to participate without consequence. Both situations involve severe breaches of international law and human rights. Allowing Israel to compete despite its ongoing atrocities not only tarnishes the integrity of the Games but also sends a dangerous message that war crimes and genocide are permissible against certain people.
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Executive Director Edward Mitchell said:
“Just as the International Olympic Committee banned the Russian government from official representation or participation due to the invasion of Ukraine, it’s time for the IOC ban the Israeli government for its ongoing genocide in Gaza. Palestinian lives must matter just as much as Ukrainian lives. If the IOC ignores the Israeli government’s blatant targeting of civilians and systematic destruction of Gaza, it will send a message that war crimes only matter when the victims are white Europeans. The IOC must take a morally consistent and principled stand justice and human dignity by banning the Israeli government from any official participation in the Olympics.”
SAMPLE MESSAGE:
Thomas Bach
President, International Olympic Committee
Château de Vidy
1007 Lausanne
Switzerland
Dear President Bach,
I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage regarding the representation of the Israeli government in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The IOC’s commitment to upholding human rights, equality, and peace stands in stark contrast to the actions of the Israeli government, which is committing genocide and numerous war crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Since last year, more than 38,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children, have been mercilessly killed in the Israeli government’s indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. These are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic campaign of violence and extermination. Just as the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to the firm action by the IOC, the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel demand accountability and consequences.
Allowing the Israeli government to officially participate in the Olympics undermines the very principles upon which the Games are founded. It conveys a message that the international community is willing to overlook genocide and war crimes when the victims are not Europeans. This is unacceptable.
The Olympic Games should be a beacon of hope, unity, and respect for all human beings, whether Palestinians or Ukrainians or anyone else. To maintain the integrity of these values, I urge the IOC to take a firm stand and ban the Israeli government from official participation or representation in the 2024 Olympics. The world is watching, and it is imperative that the IOC demonstrates its commitment to justice and human dignity.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
END
CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com