Tunisian Tennis Star Ons Jabeur Faces Condemnation from Israeli Tennis Federation for Vocal Support of Palestine
In a move that has ignited debates both within and outside the sporting community, Tunisian tennis champion Ons Jabeur has been subject to criticism from the Israeli Tennis Federation. The Federation has called upon the International Tennis Federation and the Women’s Tennis Association to penalize Jabeur for her support of the Palestinian cause.
Tunisian Tennis Star Ons Jabeur-Source: X
Jabeur recently took to Instagram to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, saying “Stop the violence… Freedom for Palestine”. Her statement follows a trend of Arab athletes voicing their support for the Palestinian cause, and it did not go unnoticed. The Israeli Tennis Federation swiftly issued a response accusing Jabeur of “incitement and supporting a deadly and Nazi-like terrorist organization.”
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أنس جابر لاعبة التنس التونسية: “ما كان يعاني منه الفلسطينيون خلال الـ 75 سنة الأخيرة لا يمكن وصفه، ما يعاني منه المدنيون لا يمكن وصفه، أيا كانت أصولهم أو ديانتهم.. العنف لن يجلب السلام أبداً، لا يمكنني أن أقف بصف العنف كما لا يمكنني بأن لا أقف مع من كانت… pic.twitter.com/Ol9N1mt74B
— عمرو (@bt3) October 11, 2023
However, the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports has come to Jabeur’s defense. In an official statement, the Ministry expressed its “absolute support” for the tennis player amidst the backlash she faces from the Israeli sports body. The Ministry also reiterated its unwavering support for all Tunisian athletes who have shown solidarity with the Palestinian cause, especially in the wake of recent attacks by occupying forces.
Interestingly, this is not an isolated incident concerning Tunisian athletes. Professional football player Issa Al-Eidouni, who plays as a midfielder for the German team Union Berlin and the Tunisian national team, also recently experienced significant backlash for expressing his support for Palestine.
The unfolding story continues to illustrate how political tensions spill over into the sports world, potentially affecting athletes’ careers and complicating international relations. It remains to be seen whether the International Tennis Federation and the Women’s Tennis Association will take action against Jabeur or if this incident will lead to larger conversations about the role of athletes in political discourse.
