No Jews need apply : Israel's Shahar Peer Not Allowed in Dubai Open

Dubai,that wonderfully progressive Arab country that Dubbya wants to manage our ports has a thing about Jews. And it extends not only to actively participating in a boycott of Israel but even to allowing a Jew in the country for a tennis tournement.

Dubai is a major stop in the tennis world because of the huge prizes offered to winners of the Dubai Open. The appearance fees are amazing, rumored to be in the $1 million range for the top names. Prize money is tremendous. Players leave the event with jewelry, watches and, at least in one case, a horse.

Unless, of course you're a Jew.

Top 40 ranked Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer and the 10 other Israeli players ranked by the WTA are not allowed to compete in this tournement..simply because they are Jews.

I wonder if the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) would even think about sanctioning an event in a country or club that excluded African-Americans?

According to this Sports Illustrated article, the ATP and WTA were asked about this issue and both tours reported that before giving their sanction, they had assurances that no player would be denied entry into the Dubai event. SI.com - Writers - Jon Wertheim: Dubai events rich in cash, richer in politics - Wednesday March 1, 2006 12:16PM

I guess they didn't ask very loudly.Obviously they just looked the other way, as did the tennis pros who participated, given the amount of prize money to be had.

Shame on them all for participating in and enabling this rampant bigotry.