Beuth calls on the DOSB: "Clear signal of solidarity"
Hesse's Interior Minister Peter Beuth is calling for "a clear signal of solidarity" with Ukrainian athletes and "a clear commitment to Jewish life" in Germany from the DOSB General Assembly in Frankfurt on Saturday. The umbrella organization is the largest civic movement in Germany and "its resolutions are of the highest relevance", said the spokesperson for the Union-led sports ministries on Friday.
In view of its great responsibility for the people and sport in Germany, the agenda of the German Olympic Sports Confederation should include more than topics such as gender stars or contribution increases. "The DOSB is stewing in its own juices and is not doing justice to its social role in our country," said Beuth.
Most recently, the DOSB presidium had spoken out to the member associations in an association communication in favor of the re-admission of "individual neutral athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports". "The association seems to be pandering to the IOC's Russia-friendly course without any thought of solidarity with the people of Ukraine," criticized Beuth. "Those who have to endure the greatest suffering through no fault of their own are thus repeatedly made to suffer on the sporting stage because they cannot escape these situations."
Following Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel, he believes that the umbrella organization should also show noticeably more commitment to Jewish life and send out clear signals against anti-Semitism in Germany, which are also visible in the halls and on the sports fields. "Sport and the DOSB have a social responsibility that must be met with a clear stance," emphasized Beuth. "One day before the General Assembly, it is clear that the DOSB will not fulfill this responsibility."
At the upcoming DOSB General Meeting, Minister Beuth urges a strong stance against Russia's involvement in sports, suggesting a reconsideration of the organization's policy towards "individual neutral athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports." Additionally, in response to recent events, Beuth emphasizes the need for the DOSB to show increased solidarity with Jewish life in Germany by taking a clear position against anti-Semitism in sports.
Source: www.dpa.com
