Dr. Ali Abdi, an international relations and Zionist regime expert, highlighted in the knowledge-enhancement session "Activism of the University Sports Community Regarding the Imposed Wa

Dr. Ali Abdi, an international relations and Zionist regime expert, highlighted in the knowledge-enhancement session "Activism of the University Sports Community Regarding the Imposed War" the critical need for an international, spontaneous, and legal sports boycott movement against the Zionist regime's propaganda machinery.He detailed the role of sports diplomacy within the regime's public diplomacy structure and historically reviewed Israel's organized use of sports to gain political legitimacy and maintain its existence. For example, the Maccabiah Games started in the 1930s as a structured representation of Zionist sports presence internationally, which intensified after the regime's establishment.Abdi explained the institutional framework of Haspra, the regime's public diplomacy network comprising offices from the Prime Minister's office to security agencies and ministries related to culture, tourism, and diaspora, all aimed at engineering international image and influence.

He cited cases of apparent sports-related incidents involving athletes that are part of Haspra's targeted operations supported by intelligence and security attachments, including Mossad-led mechanisms to recruit and exploit sports figures.Abdi referenced the 1972 Munich Olympics as a key historical example where the Palestinian Liberation Organization demanded recognition and participation rights at the Olympics but was ignored by the IOC, leading to a retaliatory hostage situation by the Black September group.He also mentioned Iran-Israel football historical matches as instances showcasing sports as a platform for public opinion and popular diplomacy.

As a key solution, he proposed launching an international "Sports BDS" movement (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) independent of governments, organized as NGOs and grassroots initiatives. This movement, if widely adopted and supported with legal and economic backing, could more effectively pressure international sports bodies and undermine the regime's political legitimacy.

Abdi stressed the movement should be:

International and widespread

Provide economic and legal support to athletes voluntarily refusing competition against Israeli representatives

Offer tangible incentives (financial, educational, sporting) to offset costs and pressures on participating athletesRecognizing the absence of extensive governmental support, he emphasized the crucial role of social institutions, leftist parties, civil organizations, and grassroots networks in determining the movement’s impact.This approach reflects a comprehensive strategy to address the political and social influence of the Zionist regime in sports through coordinated, legal, and grassroots-based actions