Beitar Jerusalem, one of the best known and decorated soccer clubs in Israel, has been the subject of increasing controversy as a radical segment of its fan base has grown and become more vocal and even violent against Arabs.
Much of the controversy has been focused on ‘La Familia’, a fan group at the heart of this radicalization known to chant anti-Arab slogans, wave anti-Arab banners, and even attack Arabs in the vicinity of soccer matches. The group has been most vocal and coordinated in their resistance to Beitar ever hiring Arab players. Even the signing of two Muslim players from Chechnya in 2013 was met with violent protest by fans, leading to condemnations from various politicians and opinion leaders including Israel’s Prime Minister and President. This behavior by the Beitar Club was also used as one of the arguments in Palestinian attempts to ban Israel from FIFA, in May 2015.
EEOC Inquiry
In early July, after years of penalties from Israel’s Soccer Association and condemnations by government ministries and opinion leaders over incitement and misbehavior, Israel’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) launched a formal inquiry, formally summoned an explanation from the Club as to why they have never signed an Arab player. This inquiry follows a request from the newspaper Haaretz which launched a special series on its sports pages to “examine the background and various aspects of the Beitar Jerusalem affair, and its continued stance of not signing Arab players.”
Shortly after this summons, Beitar fans were back in the spotlight for rioting in Charleroi, Belgium, where fans “pelted the ground with flares, hung a racist banner and injured the opposition goalkeeper with a flying object.” The behavior led to condemnations by Culture Minister Miri Regev and Prime Minister Netanyahu and to the club owner Eli Tabib to announce he will be quitting the club.
Proposed Bill
MK Zohair Bahaloul (Zionist Camp), one of the best known sports broadcasters in the country prior to becoming MK, announced he will be submitting a Bill that would oblige sports teams to ensure at least 10% of their players are Arab (modeling similar government resolutions on appropriate representation of Arab employees in governmental bodies). PM Netanyahu announced he will launch an investigation into the Beitar fans behavior.
The proposed bill by MK Bahaloul was drafted in collaboration with The Abraham Fund Initiatives, which for the past few years has been working to condemn the exclusionary practices of Beitar and push for changes in its policies and behavior. TAFI recently issued a press statement calling “on all Knesset members to support [the bill]. It brings long overdue positive and inclusive messages, offering legitimacy and fair representation for Arab players with an impact that can transcend the soccer field. Commitment to this legislation is a show of support for a democratic society that not only finds a place for minorities, but actively rejects every attempt to purposefully cast them aside.”
Read more
Netanyahu slams behavior of Beitar Jerusalem fans – i24 News – 7.18.15
State asks Beitar Jerusalem soccer club to explain its lack of Arab players – Haaretz – Yoav Borowitz – 7.9.15
Israeli football coach says Arab players not welcome on squad – Middle East Eye – 4.15.15
La Familia, the Hate Group that Influences One of Israel’s Top Soccer Teams – VICE – 5.6.15
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Do you need support integrating these resources and issues into your philanthropic, communal, or Israel education work? Reach out for consultations, connections to experts, program support, training, or to plan your next event or mission. If you’ve used our resources, tell us about your experience!