WHAT: Israeli Soldiers with Pending War Crime Charges Will Be Participating in the 2025 Invictus Games in BC
WHEN: The Invictus Games run from February 8 to the 16th
WHO: Various spokespeople from the Palestinian, Jewish/Israeli communities as well as other event organizers available for media appearances and commentary this week leading up to and during the week of the games
INFORMATIONAL FLIER: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfjc2cxf5z/
MEDIA CONTACT: movementmediahub@gmail.com
[Canada, Feb. 4, 2025] - As the 2025 Invictus Games quickly approach, scheduled from February 8–16 in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia, we are compelled to address a matter of profound concern: the inclusion of active Israeli military personnel in this esteemed event.
The Invictus Games stand as a testament to the resilience and recovery of wounded veterans. However, this year's participation of Israeli soldiers—some of whom may have been directly involved in actions currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide of the Palestinian people—casts a shadow over the event's integrity.
Both the federal and provincial governments have pledged $15 million each to support the 2025 Invictus Games, underscoring the significance of this event to Canada. This substantial investment highlights the nation's commitment to honouring the sacrifices of veterans and promoting international goodwill. However, the inclusion of Israeli military personnel, given the serious allegations against them, raises critical ethical questions about the values we choose to uphold.
In the past four days alone, Canadian citizens have already sent over 20,000 letters to Invictus event organizers and BC government leadership expressing outrage that a military currently under investigation for committing war crimes is being welcomed wholeheartedly into British Columbia.
Over 46,000 civilians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, however, that number is likely grossly underreported due to the destruction of infrastructure. As of January 2025, The Lancet—one of the world’s oldest and leading medical journals—published a study estimating that over 70,000 individuals in Gaza have died from traumatic injuries. Furthermore, a July 2024 article in The Lancet warned that the actual death toll in Gaza, accounting for both direct and indirect causes, could exceed 186,000. This projection considers factors such as the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, shortages of essential supplies, and the broader humanitarian crisis impacting the region.
Additionally, since the ceasefire on January 19, 2025, Israel has killed over 100 Palestinian civilians while attempting to return to their homes, including a five-year-old girl—the most recent victim at the time of this writing. These ongoing atrocities demand unwavering scrutiny and accountability.
We urge the media to fulfill its pivotal role in upholding truth and justice by:
- Investigating and Reporting: Delve into the implications of hosting active Israeli military personnel at the Invictus Games, considering the serious allegations they face.
- Highlighting Canada's Position: Examine Canada's stance and potential complicity in this context, especially given its history of silence on Israel's actions.
- Amplifying Global Calls for Accountability: Shed light on the growing international demand for a boycott of Israeli teams in global sports arenas, reflecting a stand against normalizing alleged war crimes.
We trust that, in covering Israel's participation in the 2025 Invictus Games, the media will approach this issue with the thoroughness and integrity it warrants, ensuring that the public receives comprehensive and insightful reporting.