Thinking on Sunday: Palestine, Israel and the Beautiful Game – dilemmas for a post-ethical age?

​Football is the most popular sport in both Israel and Palestine. Both football associations are members of the world governing body FIFA and are subject to its rules. Teams from the two countries have never played each other.

“No place for politics in sport” is a familiar mantra that implies superior ethical standards in sport. Is that myth or reality? When politicians use sport to promote a “clean” image to mask otherwise morally unacceptable behaviour, how does sport respond? Should we care? Or are the “moral obligations”, shared values”, “truth” and other such concepts outdated? Wither ethics?

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Dr Geoff Lee first visited Israel in 1966 but saw little of the Palestinian community. However, the visit awakened an interest. He visited in November 2013 on a political tour organised under the auspices of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and then in March 2014 on the invitation of the Palestinian Football Association.

He is a member of the Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Red Card Israeli Racism campaign.

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Doors 10.30. Start 11.00

Entry £3, £2 concessions (free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members, who are encouraged to book these tickets in advance via the Book Now button)

Event is subject to capacity, without exceptions. Space will be reserved for ticket holders.

Brockway Room (Ground floor – accessible. Induction loop audio).

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.