Why this petition matters
Started by Gauteng T2
I hope this finds you well. The intention of this petition is to address an issue of profound importance concerning the values and affiliations associated with Maccabi South Africa, the Maccabi Table Tennis Club, and partner entities like JusTT.
After careful reflection and extensive deliberation within our own organization (Gauteng T2 Table Tennis Club), it has come to our attention that the Maccabi South Africa publicly aligns itself with Zionist ideologies and supports the State of Israel.
Refer: https://maccabi.co.za/site/our-purpose/
“…while promoting Zionism and supporting the State of Israel.“
“…to actively promote Zionism and support of the State of Israel.“
While we respect the diversity of opinions, we feel compelled to express our deep concern regarding the endorsement of policies and actions that contribute to what is widely regarded as an apartheid regime. Additionally, the ongoing allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people are deeply troubling to us.
Our intention in communicating this is not to undermine or threaten your organization’s reputation or the standing of the Maccabi Table Tennis Club. However, it is with a sense of moral responsibility that we must inform you of our decision to initiate a boycott of all events and activities involving Maccabi and partnered entities like that of JusTT, effective immediately.
This decision is not made lightly but is driven by our unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and human rights. We believe that our actions as a table tennis club must reflect these core values, and we cannot in good conscience engage with an entity perceived to be endorsing actions that may violate these fundamental principles.
Through this boycott, we aim to bring attention to these critical issues and to foster a broader dialogue within the table tennis and sporting community. Our primary objectives are as follows:
– To raise awareness about the concerns surrounding Maccabi’s affiliations and their potential impact on the principles of justice and equality.
– To encourage public discourse within the sporting community about the ethical considerations that should guide sports organizations and their affiliations.
– To inspire deeper introspection about the effects (morally and commercially) of supporting entities like that of Maccabi, JusTT and cohorts of similar positioning.
We are fully aware of the gravity of this decision and the potential implications of a boycott. Therefore, we invite an open and constructive dialogue to address these concerns. We are reachable via email on info@t2tabletennis.co.za.
It is our sincere hope that through meaningful discussions, we may find a resolution that aligns with the values we hold dear.
We recognize the significant contributions Maccabi club, and JusTT business has made to the table tennis community, and it is with the utmost respect that we communicate our decision. We hope for a thoughtful and respectful exchange in the days ahead.
It is important to note that this stance is not merely a political one, but one deeply rooted in the values of humanity, equality, and integrity—values that have historically been upheld in sports. We are reminded of the International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban the South African team from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to demonstrate unified international disapproval of apartheid. Similarly, the history of South African Table Tennis highlights a firm rejection of apartheid systems. The founder of the ITTF, Ivor Montagu, rejected the apartheid systems of inequality. In South Africa, the multi-racial South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) and the whites-only South African Table Tennis Union (SATTU) existed. Montagu noted that SATTU, despite being larger and possibly having a higher standard of play, violated the ITTF Constitution’s clauses on equality. When a SATTU representative sought ITTF membership in 1948, a committee member asked, ‘What proportion of the population do your players represent?’ Upon hearing the disparity, the committee was appalled and refused recognition, emphasizing that a tiny minority couldn’t represent South Africa.
This petition is also being copied to the Johannesburg Table Tennis Association, and the South African Table Tennis Board, to ensure transparency and to keep all relevant stakeholders informed of our position.
As leadership and custodians of this sport in the country, it is within your scope to investigate and enforce sanctions where there is conduct that brings the sport into disrepute. We believe this to be merit worthy. Your follow through action, or even silence – would speak volumes on your position on this matter.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to the possibility of engaging in productive discussions that may lead to a resolution. Please be assured that this decision is fully supported by all the undersigned persons.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Mansoor
2024 Chairperson of Gauteng T2 Table Tennis Club
www.change.org
