Preferring to ignore warnings from the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), Israel’s national judo team flew to Morocco to take part in a competition. ISA officials explained that things being what they are between Israel and Morocco, the delegation cannot be escorted with armed Israeli security, strongly advising the team not to take part in the event.

The Israel Judo Federation however decided the team will participate despite the warnings and urging against it. When the team arrived in Morocco’s airport on Wednesday, 2 Sivan, they were detained and their passports were confiscated.

They were only released on Thursday morning, B”H unharmed. Their release was due to pressure from a number of organizations, including the International Judo Federation and organizers of the competition in Morocco.

It should be pointed out that Morocco had to agree to permit Israel to participate in the event to receive International Judo Federation authorization for the competition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)