Loading ...From Gaza to Gold: How Palestinian Athletes are Competing Against All Odds
By Nate Fox / Arab America Contributing Writer
Despite the turbulent conditions in their homeland, Palestinian athletes are prepared to compete. Upon their arrival in Paris, they were greeted with flowers and gifts from the crowd. Arab America contributing writer Nate Fox will highlight how, this year, Palestinian athletes aim to bring recognition to their country, honor those lost in Gaza, and demonstrate the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people.
Several athletes are defying the odds in Paris this year, including boxer Waseem Abu Sal. Like many great athletes, Waseem Abu Sal dreamed of competing in the Olympics since childhood, but recent circumstances have made that already hard journey, near impossible. Based in Ramallah, a Palestinian city in the central West Bank, Waseem Abu Sal doesn’t even get to see his coach. Waseem Abu Sal’s coach Ahmad Harara, a Gazan, sends his training schedule via text message. But Abu Sal’s struggle goes beyond the physical, with reports of fellow athletes falling casualty to Israel’s retaliatory offensive coming in daily. Waseem Abu Sal made history not just for being the first Palestinian Olympic boxer but through direct contradiction to the Olympic rules by wearing a shirt showing children being bombed in Gaza.
Waseem Abu Sal is not alone at the Paris Olympic games, Palestinian athlete Feras Badawi, another one of the eight competing, was in Judo for the 81kg category. Feras Badawi gave a clear statement saying he would never compete against or shake hands with an Israeli athlete due to the situation in Gaza. A fellow competing Israeli athlete stated she’s used to people avoiding shaking her hand and wishes that sports could be kept separate from politics. At the opening ceremonies, Palestinian athletes wore political symbols on their jackets, which have been criticized by Israeli officials, saying it conflicts with Olympic guidelines and that sports should take precedence over political conflict.
Another story comes from Yazan Al Bawwab, who carries on his father’s dream to become an Olympic swimmer. After turning 18, Yazan Al Bawwab was forced to leave Palestine and moved around Europe and the Middle East, selling tomatoes in Italy to get by. Eventually, he opened a furniture business in Dubai and supported his son to take on the dream he never could. While Yazan Al Bawwab may have been alone in the stadium, he said he carried with him his father and that victim of the conflict in his homeland. Al Bawwab had this to say about his reception in Paris, “People generally love Palestine. And it’s either people like Palestine or they completely hate it, there’s kind of no middle ground over there,” he said. “… A lot of people don’t want us to be here, they don’t want to see the flag, they don’t want to hear my country’s name. They don’t want me to exist, they want me to leave. But I’m here.” Al Bawwab’s hopes go beyond himself; he says he wants to help construct adequate sports facilities for Palestinians, “give a way out for a lot of people, it can make them smile for at least five minutes a day where they don’t,” he said.
The Paris Olympics are showcasing an inspiring display of resilience and strength through the stories of Palestinian athletes Waseem Abu Sal, Feras Badawi, and Yazan Al Bawwab. Amidst adversity, they are using their participation to shed light on the challenges faced by their homeland and the people affected by the conflict in Gaza. Their dedication exemplifies the ability of sports to transcend political boundaries, offering a message of hope and perseverance. These athletes are not just pursuing personal success but also striving to open doors for their fellow compatriots. Their unwavering efforts are a powerful reminder of the enduring unity and fortitude of the Palestinian people.
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