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Shahar Peer -
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Anti-Israel activists are asking Shahar Peer to withdraw from the ASB Classic in Auckland, but the Israeli tennis player says politics is nothing to do with sport.
Global Peace and Justice Auckland has written to Peer requesting she respect international calls for a comprehensive boycott of her home country.
Spokesman John Minto says Israel's attacks on the Gaza strip are indefensible and the latest chapter in a 60 year-old history of oppression and brutality against Palestinians.
He says she would be making a sacrifice by standing down, but it is nothing compared to what Palestinians have to go through every day of their lives.
At a press conference Peer said she would not consider withdrawing from a tournament for political reasons.
"I think [the politics] is nothing to do with what I am doing," she says.
Peer also revealed that her brother has this week been called in by the Israeli army as a reserve.
"My brother, they called him, so two days ago I was crying in bed. It is a hard time for me.
"I hope everything goes okay."
Peer says she is doing her best to concentrate on the ASB Classic.
"What is going on in Israel is not easy for any one of us.
"Hopefully it will end as soon as possible."
Minto is planning to protest outside the ASB Classic on Thursday morning. Peer says it is the first time she has encountered such a protest.
