10:27 PM Sunday 05 November 2023
Books – Mahmoud Al-Toukhi:
Egyptian swimmer Abdel Rahman Sameh “Haridi” was preparing for his participation, which would begin in a few minutes, in the World Swimming Championships events, which were held in Greece last October, but the images coming from Gaza found their place in his mind, which made him think about how to use the global event to denounce crimes. The Israeli occupation against the Palestinians.
In an interview with Dr. Mohab Megahed on a program in the hall, the Egyptian swimmer spoke about the motivation that made him perform this act that was the talk of everyone. Abdel Rahman mentioned, “While I was in the preparation room, I was preparing the speech that I was going to say when the microphone came to me and then in a moment I asked God for help. I said, “Lord, if what I say is good for me, my nation, and anyone in any way, please win me over so I can say it.”
Indeed, the competition ended with him in the lead, and it was time to fulfill a promise he made to his Lord. Media people crowded around him to conduct the usual interviews, and as soon as he began his speech, the words came out one by one, ignoring the future of his sporting career: “I was thinking, do I have the right to celebrate this achievement after all that I have been through and the suffering?” But at the same time, I had to stand by my principles and the needs that I believe in, especially since the West is trying to remove our voice, and winning for me was forcing myself to speak.”
Haridy did not realize the seriousness of the situation he was in because of his statements until he saw his coach placing his hands on his head out of surprise, and the implications it might have on the player’s personal and professional safety: “On that day, the team forced me to go home in a police car.”
“I will send you to heaven soon,” is a translation of one of the threatening messages that Haridi received from an unknown person, in addition to the legal reviews carried out by a team from the university to which Haridi belongs to his posts that he shared on various social networking sites: “I was always busy with my family if I did not respond to their calls.” They think I need something.”
However, amidst the threatening messages that rained down on him, and the International Swimming Federation deleting his photos from its various platforms, Haridi found support from his mother in a text message, “Hit and don’t speak,” a sign from her urging him to continue his support for Gaza, so the player shared it on his personal pages, commenting, “But I don’t.” I keep saying, “In the name of God.”
2023-11-05 20:27:00
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