We are delighted to report that the European Kendo Federation (EKF) has rejected a motion submitted by the Turkish Kendo Federation to expel the Israel Kendo & Budo Federation (IKBF).

Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art using bamboo swords.

credit: wikimedia

The Turkish motion referred to “the ongoing humanitarian situation involving the Israeli Government” and the report of the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry of 16 September 2025 alleging genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Only 4 members of the EKF voted in favour of the motion. 18 voted against and 15 abstained.

UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) provided advice to the Israel Federation.

Thanking UKLFI, IKBF’s General Secretary, Keren Okman, said: “Please accept our deepest gratitude for your invaluable insight and legal advice. With your assistance we were able to devise a clear strategy that proved highly successful and it is our sincere hope that the results of this vote at the EKF GA will prevent future motions from being brought against us in the foreseeable future.”

UKLFI’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Turner, said: “We congratulate the representatives of the Israel Federation on this decisive win.”