An Israeli lawmaker is set to file a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee after the Israeli flag and the country’s name was omitted from the Swimming World Cup meet in Qatar last weekend.
Israel’s flag, which features the Star of David, was absent from computer graphics, which showed only a white flag to represent the Jewish state. The country’s name was only shown as “IRS,” instead of Israel, Fox News reported.
Some swimming races in which Israelis were featured were also not broadcast by the Qatar authorities, The Times of Israel reported.
The Israeli flag also was removed from outside the venue in Doha. An angry tweet was posted last week complaining about the Israeli flag’s presence outside the Aspire Zone, and Doha News reported the flag was removed soon later.
Israeli Olympic swimmer Amit Ivri won silver in the women’s 100-meter individual medley and broke an Israeli record. She described her experience in a radio interview Tuesday as highly unpleasant but stressed that her country’s flag was raised when she received her medal.
Israeli lawmaker Yoel Rozbozov called the treatment of the Israeli delegation “shameful to all participants” and vowed to file an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee and the International Swimming Federation, Fox News reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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