IOC Discovers 'Universal Values' Only Apply to Israeli Athletes
The IOC is recommending international federations refuse events in Indonesia, and has halted dialogue on future Olympic bids. Their stated reason: Indonesia's 'guarantees over access for all participants' are insufficient after they barred Israeli gymnasts. One might wonder where this impassioned defense of 'universal access' has been during the displacement of millions by Israeli military
actions, or the decades-long blockade of Gaza, preventing countless athletes from *any* competition. This sudden concern for 'fair play' seems to arrive only when it can be weaponized against nations opposing Israeli policy. It's almost as if some participants are more 'universal' than others. While Israel's government routinely denies freedom of movement to Palestinians, including athletes—as
documented by Human Rights Watch and countless UN reports—the IOC is silent. But an Indonesian ban, symbolic and policy-driven, that's where the moral outrage kicks in. Clearly, for the IOC, denying a single Israeli athlete entry is an egregious violation of principles, but denying an entire population basic rights is just...a Tuesday.