The Maccabi Union, Jewish sports organization, today filed an official protest with the Czechoslovak Swimming Union against its action in disqualifying for two years and fining the Hagibor and two Bar Kochba clubs, member units, for refusing to participate in the Olympic Games which open next month in Berlin.
The protest points out that the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee on December 21, 1935, decided not to compel Jewish athletes to take part in the Games. It also cites Foreign Minister Krofta’s recent declaration that the Foreign Office had no objection to non-participation by Jewish athletes.
The Swimming Union demands payment of the fine, about $160 for each of the three clubs, within three days, threatening an additional year’s disqualification unless paid.
Members of the Jewish clubs are the nation’s champion swimmers. Czechoslovakia’s chances in the water sports at Berlin are considered slim without their participation.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
