At a time Iran is coming under fire for not letting its players play those from Israel comes word of a virtual chess event this month (July,2021) in which 435 quality players from around the world participated in an event tying Israel players to those from around the world, including from countries Israel has no diplomatic ties with.
Such as Iran.
Peace in the Middle East -- peace between Israel and the Palestinians -- being important, one can only wonder how this event fits in. The July event was part of the Chess 4 Solidarity Initiative. A story in The Jerusalem Post gives limited information -- not even saying if the July event was a tournament or who won it if it was.
The 435 players included "players from countries with which Israel has no diplomatic relations, including Iraq, Libya, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Iran," says the Post article. Iran, then -- the same country that is banning its chess players from playing against Israeli players.
The Abu Ghosh Council supported the events. Abu Ghosh is a city in Israel. The council said he did so with the intent of promoting coexistence and tolerance. All of which leads one to consider whether Iran is hostile toward the Chess 4 Solidarity Initiative and its events.
But, a call for peace from one side seems to be a good offering. It would seem the Abu Ghosh people are seeking but peace with the countries of the world.
No word on whether any participants are from the Palestinian West Bank or Gaza Strip, but it seems doubtful.
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