A high school basketball coach in Colorado faced suspension following an incident involving a Palestinian flag and a post-game handshake refusal with the opposing team's coaches from a Jewish school. The incident occurred after a game between Lotus School for Excellence and Denver Torah Academy on January 22nd.
According to reports, the Lotus School's head coach, known as Coach O., displayed a Palestinian flag before the game. After the game concluded, he reportedly draped the flag around his neck before approaching the handshake line, where he declined to shake hands with the Denver Torah coaching staff. Lotus School's athletic director, Deon Jackson, interpreted this action as intentional.
The school principal, Emrek Bakyt, confirmed the suspension of both the head coach and an assistant coach, emphasizing that the coach's actions did not reflect the school's values of respect and diversity.
Brandon Rattiner, representing the Jewish Community Relations Council and speaking for Denver Torah, criticized the coach's behavior, particularly the refusal to shake hands. He highlighted the rising tide of antisemitism and pointed out that holding Jewish individuals responsible for the actions of the Israeli government is a clear example of antisemitism. He considered the handshake refusal as the central issue, emphasizing that it was inappropriate to hold Jewish individuals accountable for a conflict originating thousands of miles away.
This incident has sparked discussions about appropriate conduct in school sports and the intersection of political expression and athletic competition.
