Israel, Bali, & the WBF.

[mikestar13]

Maybe we should take this to the Water Cooler when we are discussing who is more or less pro-Israel and whether Israel should be banned from any event because of actions (real or imagined) of the Israeli government.

[GreenMan]

I'm concerned at this news and alarmed that the WBF see the "solution" as the end of the issue.

 

This comment is on the article at newinbridge.com:

 

"Becoming aware of this incident only a few days ago I have written my fellow members of the WBF Executive Council asking that this decision NOT stand. What can be done? The team can be invited as an added team with security and visa issues solved asap. I have written to Eitan and expressed my personal apology and regret. I hope others feel the same. The matter is not over.

 

Alvin Levy

Executive Vice President, WBF

Board of Directors, ACBL"

 

So it appears that the WBF is trying to do something.

[Hanoi5]

This is a typical example of how inaccuracies spread on the internet. The entire quote on bridgewinners is about the Bali International Convention Centre, which is a small convention center in the Westin Hotel. The World Championships are being held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, a much larger convention center nearby. I don't know anything about the security provided at the BNDCC (their website says "With a combination of technology and trained security personnel, we can provide high-level security at any events. In case of specific or heightened security requirements, we may arrange dependable resources to call upon.") But I do know that the long list of security arrangements set forth in the quote that is copied here has to do with a different venue.

 

You're very right. In the same link on the internet they have this:

 

http://www.baliconvention.com/secure.php?id=secure

 

So not only that smaller hotel has all that security, the two islands have all the security in the link and I suppose the BB, VC venue has more security than the smaller one.

[jdeegan]

:P Bali is a lovely vacation spot, but if they won't allow some of our players to attend or cannot protect their safety, then the WBF needs to relocate the tournament to somewhere that can.

[aguahombre]

Thanks to those of you who have provided sources and quotes about a situation which is of great interest to many people.

 

The personal opinions/prejudices of people not in a position to influence the outcome are of considerably less interest.

[jillybean]

It appears that his comment was made 5 days ago. Has there been any further communication from the WBF?

 

This comment is on the article at newinbridge.com:

 

"Becoming aware of this incident only a few days ago I have written my fellow members of the WBF Executive Council asking that this decision NOT stand. What can be done? The team can be invited as an added team with security and visa issues solved asap. I have written to Eitan and expressed my personal apology and regret. I hope others feel the same. The matter is not over.

 

Alvin Levy

Executive Vice President, WBF

Board of Directors, ACBL"

 

So it appears that the WBF is trying to do something.

[Rossoneri]

After seeing a particular "bridge journalist" putting up unsubstantiated claims as "objective truths" repeatedly on Facebook the whole of the past week, I nearly vomitted out my lunch when I saw this thread. Suffice to say hrothgar has summed it up well, and the contents of my lunch will stay firmly in my stomach.

 

My hope is that the involved parties will work out a reasonable solution as soon as possible and until then, certain people should really just keep their inflammatory and biased opinions to themselves.

[jillybean]

From BW site..

 

BREAKING NEWS. A few minutes ago, George Jacobs, President of the United States Bridge Federation (USBF), announced the following:

 

“I am pleased to report that the ugly situation involving the Israeli Women’s Bridge team and the World Bridge Championships being held in Bali, Indonesia, has been brought to a conclusion in a manner that has been judged amenable to all.

 

To recap: 6 teams from Europe qualified to play in theVenice Cup, Israel among them. The team was rebuffed when seeking visas and security. To be fair, Israel could have flown two Indonesian Nationals to a neutral country, paid for their trips, and secured visas. Israel was willing to do this. But when no answers were forthcoming about security, either from Indonesia or the World Bridge Federation, Israel was forced to withdraw from the event. Their place was taken by Sweden, to whom Israel graciously wished success.

 

This caused much angst among the bridge community. There were calls for boycotts, moving the World Championships, giving Israel a bye to enter next year’s event etc. It was felt that Israel had been abandoned by the WBF.

 

Thanks to Al Levy of the ACBL Board of Directors and the WBF Executive Committee, Gianarrigo Rona, President of the WBF, Eitan Levy, President of the Israeli Bridge Federation, and the Bridge Federation of China, a solution was reached.

 

The Israeli Women’s team is being invited to participate in the International Mind Sport Games being held in Beijing, China in December, 2013. This is a very prestigious event, and while not an equal substitute for the Venice Cup, by any means; it is still a viable recognition of Israel’s plight, which was not of their own doing. There are large cash prizes and there are only 4 teams invited. In addition to Israel, invited teams are the United States, China, and the winner of the upcoming Venice Cup.

 

At this late date, there was never going to be a perfect solution. Eitan Levy and the Israelis did not want a gift entry into next year’s event, “preferring to earn the right”. This would also have impacted the European Bridge League, which has heretofore not been involved in this drama.

 

Finding compromises is not easy, but I think those involved worked hard to ease the sting. Israel and Mr. Levy were only looking for an apology and receiving this invitation was more than they were expecting.

 

I salute Mr. Levy, Mr. Rona, Mr. Levy, the WBF, the CCBA, and most of all the hundreds or thousands of you out there who raised your voices in protest. You were heard and made a difference.

 

We have learned yet again a valuable lesson. Bridge is apolitical and needs to remain ever so. If we have to hold every World event in Switzerland to insure fairness, so be it. The host country MUST allow all participants or be removed as the host, period. Bridge competitions are good for all and are a valuable contribution to peace worldwide. Again; in fairness to Indonesia, they did not bar Israel, but by refusing to confirm any security measures, they constructively did so.

 

As long as Israel is satisfied with the outcome, that is good enough for me.

 

I think today was a good day for bridge.”

[GreenMan]

Well, it's not the best possible result, but it may be the best result possible.

 

If I were on the WBF council (HAHAHAHA) I'd be saying "Hey, I just looked at the bylaws, and there's nothing that says Indonesia has to be a member ..."

[ArtK78]

So, with the acquiescence of Israel, the WBF has ratified that the host country can essentially choose to bar a country from playing in the World Championships.

 

Truly a good day for bridge.

[hrothgar]

So, with the acquiescence of Israel, the WBF has ratified that the host country can essentially choose to bar a country from playing in the World Championships.

 

Truly a good day for bridge.

 

In many ways, this reminds me of the Shanghai incident from a few years back.

 

1. Something controversial happens

2. Some idiot decides to gin up a lynch mob

3. There is much sounds and fury, signifying nothing

4. The whole thing gets papered over

 

Personally, I can think of a lot better ways this could have ended. (I'm sure that everyone would prefer a situation in which the Israeli team was able to participate). At the same time, I can think of a lot worse ways that things could go, and I would include a event boycott, an event cancellation, or a change of venue in that category.

[CSGibson]

So, with the acquiescence of Israel, the WBF has ratified that the host country can essentially choose to bar a country from playing in the World Championships.

 

Truly a good day for bridge.

 

 

The characterization that Indonesia barred Israel from competing is absolute BS.

 

The host country was going to allow Israel to compete, and Israel decided not to when the host company would not go through a little extra effort to reassure them as to security arrangements. Would I like to have seen it handled differently? Yes, but I would also have liked to see Israel and Indonesia be able to set up consulates in each other's countries, too, so I'm not surprised that Indonesia was unwilling to go the extra effort to accomodate Israel.

[ArtK78]

The characterization that Indonesia barred Israel from competing is absolute BS.

 

The host country was going to allow Israel to compete, and Israel decided not to when the host company would not go through a little extra effort to reassure them as to security arrangements. Would I like to have seen it handled differently? Yes, but I would also have liked to see Israel and Indonesia be able to set up consulates in each other's countries, too, so I'm not surprised that Indonesia was unwilling to go the extra effort to accomodate Israel.

I believe that it is fairly clear that the bridge federation of Indonesia and/or the government of Indonesia did not reply to the concerns raised by Israel concerning security. There was not a yes or a no - just silence. So, by not acting, they acted. The effect is the same.

 

There is a long history of Arab and Muslim countries refusing to play against Israeli teams in world championship competitions. There are always excuses given, but the effect is the same. And they have never been sanctioned for their refusal to play against the Israeli teams. So the problem resulting from having a Muslim country hosing the World Championships were forseeable and inevitable.

[aguahombre]

Personally, I can think of a lot better ways this could have ended. (I'm sure that everyone would prefer a situation in which the Israeli team was able to participate).

Me, too. But once the alternate was inserted, then acknowledged and wished well by the Israelis, the women's team could no longer accept that conclusion with the dignity I know they have.

[jjbrr]

I believe that it is fairly clear that the bridge federation of Indonesia and/or the government of Indonesia did not reply to the concerns raised by Israel concerning security. There was not a yes or a no - just silence. So, by not acting, they acted. The effect is the same.

 

Can you show us any evidence at all for this?

[ArtK78]

Can you show us any evidence at all for this?

Read any accounts of the situation in Bali. It is generally agreed that the primary reason the situation reached the point that it did was that requests by the Israeli Government or the Israeli Bridge Federation (I am not sure which) for information about security measures were ignored - not denied, just ignored. It was referred to in many of the posts as stonewalling. So, when no response was obtained, the Israeli Government forced the women's team to withdraw.

 

No one is saying that this didn't happen.

[ggwhiz]

An event like this carries an economic impact that should include a lot of clout to the WBF. If this problem had surfaced in time it could have been solved or the event moved. Didn't happen for so many reasons but I hope the lesson is learned and our apolitical WBF will proactively address these political issues in the future.

 

Being "blindsided" by this one in todays world and in light of past experiences was just plain dumb.

[Aberlour10]

When the big sport events have been given to the host countries, its usual that world federations like FIFA etc, require from host detailed security concepts.

 

IMO, the main question in this topic is...why the WBF seems not to do it?

If they would do, any NBO could check ( with the utmost discretions, of course) it and decide: is it enough for us or not.

[cherdano]

When the big sport events have been given to the host countries, its usual that world federations like FIFA etc, require from host detailed security concepts.

 

IMO, the main question in this topic is...why the WBF seems not to do it?

How do you know they didn't?

[Aberlour10]

How do you know they didn't?

 

 

I dont know it. But if they do, its logical thing that WBF would inform Israelis about this. From all what I read here and in "bridgewinners discussion">>>

...the completely lack of security informations was the reason why Israeli authorities decided to cancel the participation.

[ggwhiz]

How do you know they didn't?

 

There was a visa issue for the Israelis.... solved (at their expense). The security issue was raised and simple requests for a contact to discuss them were basically ignored. If the WBF wasn't informed and/or engaged (as I suspect) I give them a big DUH! If they were and didn't act, it's worse.

 

Bottom line regardless, the event is a WBF show. Own it. Best practice might be that the Israelis ask the WBF for whatever they need and the WBF is the face that asks the Indonesians to supply same with the carrot that we may take our $$ elsewhere and the direct political interaction (given that Indonesia does not recognize Israel) is sidestepped.

 

Just because the WBF is apolitical doesn't mean you can ignore the realities.

[paua]

Read any accounts of the situation in Bali. It is generally agreed that the primary reason the situation reached the point that it did was that requests by the Israeli Government or the Israeli Bridge Federation (I am not sure which) for information about security measures were ignored - not denied, just ignored. It was referred to in many of the posts as stonewalling. So, when no response was obtained, the Israeli Government forced the women's team to withdraw.

 

No one is saying that this didn't happen.

 

You have no proof of this, just hearsay. The muppets on BridgeWinners have their own agenda. It is unlikely that the Indonesians are going to present their side of the story on BBOForums or BridgeWinners.

 

Have we not learned anything in the last dozen years about USA and Israeli spin on terrorism ?

[mike777]

This seems to be proof from the USBF:

 

BREAKING NEWS. A few minutes ago, George Jacobs, President of the United States Bridge Federation (USBF), announced the following:

 

“I am pleased to report that the ugly situation involving the Israeli Women’s Bridge team and the World Bridge Championships being held in Bali, Indonesia, has been brought to a conclusion in a manner that has been judged amenable to all.

 

To recap: 6 teams from Europe qualified to play in theVenice Cup, Israel among them. The team was rebuffed when seeking visas and security. To be fair, Israel could have flown two Indonesian Nationals to a neutral country, paid for their trips, and secured visas. Israel was willing to do this. But when no answers were forthcoming about security, either from Indonesia or the World Bridge Federation

---

 

 

Would be nice to hear from the head of the WBF

http://www.worldbridge.org/wbf-teams-championships-bali.aspx

 

http://www.worldbridge41bali.com/

[hrothgar]

This seems to be proof from the USBF:

 

BREAKING NEWS. A few minutes ago, George Jacobs, President of the United States Bridge Federation (USBF), announced the following:

 

“I am pleased to report that the ugly situation involving the Israeli Women’s Bridge team and the World Bridge Championships being held in Bali, Indonesia, has been brought to a conclusion in a manner that has been judged amenable to all.

 

To recap: 6 teams from Europe qualified to play in theVenice Cup, Israel among them. The team was rebuffed when seeking visas and security. To be fair, Israel could have flown two Indonesian Nationals to a neutral country, paid for their trips, and secured visas. Israel was willing to do this. But when no answers were forthcoming about security, either from Indonesia or the World Bridge Federation

---

 

 

Would be nice to hear from the head of the WBF

http://www.worldbridge.org/wbf-teams-championships-bali.aspx

 

http://www.worldbridge41bali.com/

 

Few quick observations:

 

1. The US team isn't directly involved in this affair. I know that members of the USBF have opinions about what took place. However, I have no reason to believe the USBF leadership has any privileged knowledge about what's what. Simply, Jacob's opinion of what Al Levy is saying is interesting, but I have no reason to believe that its accurate.

 

2. I question why the USBF leadership is issuing his own comments on these matters. If the USBF as an organization doesn't have a public opinion, its leadership should not be issuing private statements. (Note that Roland Wald's Facebook page, which is the only source for Jacob's letter states that this is a private opinion and does not reflect the opinion of the the USBF)

 

3. I'm torn whether it would be better for the WBF to make some kind of official announcement or ignore it and wait for it to go away...

[jdeegan]

:P Last time I looked, the convention business was still a buyer's market. A vendor can't provide the product as specified? On the phone to find a suitable replacement. Macau, Phuket, the Gold Coast?? Wtf. even the Holy Land is an interesting place to visit, and the IDF has a reputation for providing excellent security. BTW, was the feeler from Beijing a hint to move the whole event there?

 

Giving in to a shake down by two bit thugs? Of course, YOU will NEVER do that again. At least until next time.

 

Granted, Indonesia is a very complex place. No doubt, the people you dealt with were good folks, and were honest and correct in saying they could not guarantee security. So, get your deposits back (to the extent possible) and, in return, reschedule for a better time. Meanwhile, find a more suitable venue for the event and the tourist dollars, euros, et.al. the participants will bring with them.