Egyptian swimmer denounces threats for his support for Palestine, Israeli association contacts World Aquatics

Egyptian swimmer Abdelrahman Elarabi said he received death threats for supporting Palestine in the armed conflict with Israel.

Elarabi won the 50-meter butterfly at the second stage of the World Cup in Athens on Sunday. Earlier this week, the athlete posted on social media his support for the Palestinians.

“I don’t know if I can celebrate that, to be honest.” It was a very difficult week for me. I received death threats. People have been attacking me all week because I support Palestine. My family goes to bed not knowing if someone will break into my room, if someone will break into my apartment. Every time I don’t answer the call, they must be wondering, “Is he busy or is someone trying to kill him?” “I don’t know if I should celebrate or not,” Elarabi said immediately after the finish, as quoted by Swim Swam.

It is worth noting that the president of the Israeli Swimming Association, Miki Halika, has already written a letter to the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) demanding that disciplinary measures be taken against Elarabi.

According to World Aquatics rules, any political actions or statements are prohibited during competitions under the auspices of the organization.

On October 7, armed conflict broke out between Israel and Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a speech to the nation that the country was in a state of war.