Jewish cricket player David Teeger has been removed from his position as captain of South Africa's under-19 cricket team after his pro-Israel statement triggered fears of retaliation by Palestinian supporters.
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Cricket South Africa said that the decision, which comes a week before the U-19 World Cup, stems from concerns for Teeger's safety and the possibility that his support of Israel as it wages a war against Hamas could "result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors."
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The decision to remove Teeger is "in the best interests of all the players, the SA U-19 team, and David himself," CSA said, adding that a new captain will be announced "in due course".
"As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament," the organization said.
Teeger, who observes Shabbat and keeps kosher, was recognized with a Rising Star honor at a Jewish awards ceremony in October, which he dedicated to Israel.
In response to this, the local Palestine Solidarity Alliance filed a complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, which launched an investigation into Teeger. He was reportedly suspended from playing cricket while the investigation was ongoing, and eventually
Jewish cricket player David Teeger has been removed from his position as captain of South Africa's under-19 cricket team after his pro-Israel statement triggered fears of retaliation by Palestinian supporters.
Cricket South Africa said that the decision, which comes a week before the U-19 World Cup, stems from concerns for Teeger's safety and the possibility that his support of Israel as it wages a war against Hamas could "result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors."
The decision to remove Teeger is "in the best interests of all the players, the SA U-19 team, and David himself," CSA said, adding that a new captain will be announced "in due course".
"As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament," the organization said.
Teeger, who observes Shabbat and keeps kosher, was recognized with a "rising star" honor at a Jewish awards ceremony in October, which he dedicated to Israel.
In response to this, the local Palestine Solidarity Alliance filed a complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, which launched an investigation into Teeger. He was reportedly suspended from playing cricket while the investigation was ongoing, and eventually cleared.
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