Spanish chess tournament bans Israeli flags, global body overrules
A ban on Israeli flags at a Spanish chess tournament brings Israeli chess player Erez Kupervaser back to Oct. 7 and memories of his sister who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at Nova music festival.
Israeli chess players were informed on Friday that they would not be allowed to compete under the Israeli flag at a tournament scheduled to take place in Spain’s Basque region, and they would have to play under the neutral flag of FIDE, the World Chess Federation.
According to the organizers, participants who refused would be disqualified and expelled from the tournament, which is scheduled to take place between September 12th and 18th.
The Israeli participants include Erez Kupervaser, who lost his sister, Shani, on October 7, when she was murdered by Hamas terrorists while attending the Nova music festival.
“I think about how my sister was murdered just for being Israeli. And how the world treats us now, after so much suffering. I immediately thought of Shani. It was harsh, a painful feeling. I was deeply saddened and angry at the organizers,” Kupervaser said after learning about the new rule.
Eventually, after pressure from the Israeli Chess Federation and extensive talks held by its CEO, Gil Boruchovsky, and chairman Zvika Barkai, as well as senior FIDE officials, the global body required the organizers to allow the Israeli flag to be displayed next to Israeli players competing in Spain.
Chess board (credit: ISRAELI CHESS ASSOCIATION)
FIDE steps up for Israel and against discrimination
“FIDE had no prior knowledge of this decision, did not make any ruling on this, nor was it consulted by the organizers,” read an official statement by the organization.
They also said, “FIDE strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including on the basis of nationality and flag. The same rules apply to Israel and its players as to all other member federations that are not under any form of sanctions.”
We have sent a formal request for detailed information to the tournament organisers and will take all necessary actions to ensure our rules and principles are respected at all events.”
Barkai welcomed FIDE’s position: “We appreciate its firm stance against any attempt to discriminate against Israeli chess players. We invite all chess players worldwide, including Spaniards, to attend the international championship we will hold in November in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem.”
FIDE’s statement sends an important message to the international community and reminds us that chess, as the most noble and ancient game, must remain above all political disputes. The Israeli Chess Federation calls on all parties to maintain a sporting spirit, fairness, and the unity of the global chess community.”
“It’s frustrating. I’ve played in many tournaments abroad and was never discriminated against. Here, in this particular place in Spain, they made the wrong decision. I’m glad it was resolved,” Kupervaser commented.
