Jonathan Liew’s decision to attack my support for sports projects in Israel as “sportswashing” is perhaps the most ringing endorsement of why such bridge-building efforts are needed (Sportswashing is associated with certain countries – why not Israel?, 24 January).
When our liberal and open country holds its massive annual Gay Pride parade – the largest (if not the only one) in the Middle East, Israel is accused of “pinkwashing”. When Israel leads in environmental issues and breakthroughs in climate change technologies, Israel is accused of “greenwashing”. When our generous and supremely capable NGOs like IsraAid or Save a Child’s Heart provide support to communities in need around the world, we are accused of “aidwashing”.
The reality is that for some, Israel must and can only be viewed through the prism of a conflict forced upon us. This kind of monochromatic myopia washes away the Palestinian leadership’s decades-long refusal to make peace, as well as Hamas’s commitment to terrorism and outright refusal to recognise Israel’s right to exist.
My sports initiatives, on the other hand, look to move beyond the conflict, building lasting bonds of coexistence and understanding across our complex region. A recent initiative included saving 167 Afghan women – mostly sportswomen – from the Taliban, through a daring and complex operation, when most of the world stood silent.
I would presume that Mr Liew has not been to Israel, and has not seen for himself what is a complex and multifaceted society and reality. He is welcome to do so at my invitation. I just hope he won’t accuse me of truthwashing.
Sylvan Adams
Tel Aviv, Israel
• The subheading and caption on this article were amended on 31 January 2022. Earlier versions named the pro cycling team as Israel Start-Up Nation; it was renamed Israel – Premier Tech in January 2022.
