SA Jewish Board calls for David Teeger to be reinstated

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The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has staged a protest outside Cricket South Africa’s offices, demanding the reinstatement of axed U19 captain David Teeger. Teeger was replaced as the skipper last week, ahead of the U19 Cricket World Cup, following his controversial statements in support of Israel and its soldiers fighting in Gaza, late last year.

Hundreds of members of the Jewish community, the South African Friends of Israel, some Christian South Africans and a choir group gathered outside CSA’s headquarters in Johannesburg, accusing them of being anti-semitic and demanding that Teeger be reinstated. The gates at the governing body though remained firmly shut. The two parties met earlier this week, but could not find common ground.

“We met with Cricket South Africa and we asked them if there were security concerns, share with us what those security concerns. Not only could they not provide a report but they gave us the most obscure reasons like they were making it up as they go. We have to wonder why Cricket South Africa stripped David Teeger from his position,” said National Director SA Jewish Board of Deputies Wendy Kahn.

Cricket South Africa had no comment following the protest action but released a statement about their readiness to host the the 15th edition of the tournament. And while they respect the right of people to protest lawfully. This cannot interfere with the matches being played or compromise the safety of the players and fans.

The tournament gets under way on Friday  with the United States playing Ireland in Bloemfontein and South Africa taking on the West Indies in Potchefstroom.

South African Jewish Board of Deputies slams Cricket South Africa: