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Shahar Peer In Middle Of Israeli And Palestinian Unrest
By Lauren Lynch
(December 20,2010) It is known that sporting events can be an arena for nationalistic and political debate. Shahar Peer has caused the most controversy for tennis because of her nationality. An anti-Israeli group have protested and plan to demonstrate against Israeli player Shahar Peer playing at the the ASB Classic in Auckland - even though she has entered the Brisbane International.
The group believes she will be at Auckland, regardless, because she has played there the past 4 years. Auckland Tennis has said that she will not be at the tournament but John Minto, member of the anti-Israeli protestors, does not believe that to be true.
"The last time Peer was in New Zealand she was portrayed in the media as an innocent, apolitical, young tennis player, just doing her job, and being harassed by bullying protesters," protester John Minto had written in a press statement meaning that he believes she will enter as a wild card last minute.
In 2009, Peer was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Tennis Championships.Due to the constant unrest, Peer has had to have extra security at matches where she has had to stay is separate and secured lodging. As well, her matches have to be played on side courts while the spectators have to be searched.
Venus Williams commented on Peer, "I can’t imagine playing so well with these kinds of circumstances. I just have to give her congratulations and props. She's courageous. I don’t think anyone else on the WTA Tour could do what she's doing."
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