Jewish Tennis Player or Tennis Player that is Jewish

This week’s Torah portion (Terumah) describes the materials for the building of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle as well as the Temple in Jerusalem was a key component in the unification of the Jewish people and served as a reminder the importance to maintain our Jewish identity.

Organizers of the Barclays Dubai (United Arab Emirates) tennis championship did not allow Israeli player Shahar Peer (ranked 45th in women’s tennis association singles tour) to compete citing “security” concerns. It just happens to be that the UAE prides itself as being the champion of the Palestinians. It even cancelled lavish New Year’s celebrations in Dubai in solidarity with the Gazens during the recent combat.

The UAE came under sharp criticism for its ban of the Israeli tennis star. The governing officials of tennis warned the UAE if they did not allow Andy Ram (ranked 7th in the world in men’s doubles) to play in the men’s championship the following week they would consider taking Dubai off next year’s calendar.

After much international pressure and the threat of losing significant sponsors the UAE granted Andy Ram a visa and permission to play. Andy Ram was escorted on the court with two bodyguards and lost in the first round.


Question for the Shabbos Table:

The officials of the Dubai tennis organization made it clear that they view Shahar Peer and Andy Ram as tennis players that are Jewish. Do you think Andy Ram should not have played and stood in solidarity with his fellow Jew? Is his playing a lost opportunity to demonstrate that he is primarily a Jew and all Jews must stick together? Or do you think one has nothing to do with the other?