“Don’t Know if I Should Be Celebrating” Abdelrahman Sameh Mourns War Victims in Palestine During Swimming World Cup 2023

The ongoing Israel-Hamas War is also affecting the Swimming World Cup 2023. While the actual battle may be taking place seven hundred miles away from Athens, the effects of the war are being felt by athletes in Greece. Most athletes at the ongoing World Cup have refrained from making political statements. However, when the tragic realities of war become part of everyday life, one is left with no choice but to speak up.

Abdelrahman Sameh’s latest revelation has shocked the swimming world. As Egypt’s Abdelrahman Sameh and USA’s Michael Andrew squared up against one another on the last day of the swimming action in Athens, Sameh informed the world about saddening news shortly after clinching a gold medal.

Abdelrahman Sameh’s shocking revelation at the Swimming World Cup 2023

Abdelrahman Sameh clinched his first gold medal at the Swimming World Cup 2023 in the men’s 50m butterfly event. The Egyptian clocked a time of 23.04 seconds while Australia’s Issac Cooper finished second with 23.19 seconds and USA’s Michael Andrew came third with 23.32 seconds. However, it was Sameh’s statement after the win that shook the realm of swimming to its core.

Soon after the race, Sameh revealed that he had been getting death threats all week for supporting Palestine in the Israel-Hamas war. He further stated that his family is constantly worried that someone might kill him during the competition. In fact, according to the World Aquatics YouTube stream, Sameh stated, “Honestly, I don’t know if I should be celebrating this or not. My brother and sister are being killed in Palestine right now.” Sameh likened the deaths of Palestinians to the demise of his own siblings, emphasizing on how the ongoing war in the neighboring land is affecting him emotionally.

The Egyptian connection with Israel and Palestine

Egypt, Israel and Palestine share historical and cultural connections as close as kinship, with a history extending over thousands of years. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply emotional and politically charged issue in the Arab world. The situation remains complex and evolving, and the dynamics between Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinians continue to be significant geopolitical and humanitarian concerns in the region.

Read more: USA Swimming Wizard Michael Andrew Has a Special Message for Israel–Hamas War Victims After 50M Freestyle Gold at Swimming World Cup 2023

Abdelrahman’s country, Egypt, has long been a key mediator between Israel and Palestine. The country also has strong security ties with Israel. Despite the challenges and limitations Egypt, as a nation, faces in its mediation efforts, many Egyptians like Sameh, empathize with the Palestinian cause.

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