Actually the question is why is Israel competing in the European Athletics tournament?
Israel is a Middle Eastern country. It is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.
One does not see, nor expect any of those neighbours to take part in EUROPEAN athletics competitions. Why then is Israel tolerated usurping its way into these events?
Certainly not by grace, in view of its historical record.
Why does it not compete among its neighbours? No reason other than security as far as I can see, since it constantly commands offensives against almost all of them.
Many Israelis have historical ties to Europe, but that is no reason .
One does not expect Mexico, Brazil, the USA, or Canada to take part in European competitions despite European settlers having colonised those lands also.
I am offended that Israel assumes it is entitled to compete in Europe. It has no legitimacy to my mind..
