Once a clear demand to eradicate racism was put forward by international bodies – accompanied with clear punitive action – the Israeli association and the club took immediate action against the perpetrators. If anything, tackling the racist fans turned out to be relatively easy. I remember “experts” saying that a change would take “generations,” or that the problem could be solved unless the entire Israeli society changed. Strangely enough, nobody accused the European Association in meddling with internal Israeli affairs, or of having an anti-Israeli bias. One can only guess how this affair would have developed if Israel was a member of the North American association, or if the U.S. had more leverage in the world of soccer.
The lesson here is clear. Politicians would like to avoid dealing with social problems and human right issues, especially if they identify their roots in their own political “base.” But the case of Beitar Jerusalem – for years, written off as a lost cause – teaches us that on human right issues, outside intervention is effective (perhaps it’s the only effective thing); and that public opinion and local institutions are more attentive and receptive to pressure than it seems, as long as its presented in a clear and effective way. (Noam Sheizaf) More here.