The current escalations in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict have shaken people all over the world. With tensions running higher than ever before, Ons Jabeur finally spoke out on the issue. The Tunisian player made her stance on the matter very clear, as she condemned the violence.
Jabeur has had a decent year so far. She made a deep run at Wimbledon and was one of the favorites to win the title too. However, she fell short against Marketa Vondrousova in the final.
The Tunisian is outspoken and she did not shy away from speaking on the conflict. Jabeur took to Instagram to show support for Palestine, while denouncing the violence at the same time. “I cannot stand with violence but I also cannot stand with people having their lands taken,” she wrote in her story.
Palestine has been engaged in a war with Israel for over 75 years now. In her Instagram story, Ons spoke of Palestinian struggles at the hands of Israel. She called for peace while stating that the history and context of this dispute should not be overlooked. Jabeur signed off with the hashtag ‘Free Palestine.’
The hostilities increased when Hamas, the designated terrorist group and de facto government in Gaza, attacked Israel this week. Hamas launched rockets into Israeli airspace, which escalated the already brewing tensions between them. The longstanding conflict, which is rooted in Britain’s Colonial past, has claimed thousands of lives already. With Israel openly declaring war, several hundred more will be lost, unless it is resolved.
Ons Jabeur’s bold message came on the back of WTA’s message, which also condemned the attacks. The Tunisian is a trailblazer, and she has singlehandedly charted a part for future Arab-African women who look up to her.
Ons Jabeur is an icon for Arab-African women
The Tunisian has not been able to replicate the success of last year. Although she came very close to winning her maiden Grand Slam at SW19, she could not cross the finish line. However, reaching the Wimbledon final is no small feat, and she has achieved it twice already. Even though the title evaded Jabeur both times, it bears significance, as she was the first Arab-African player to do so.
Fondly known as the ‘Minister of Happiness’ Ons is a hugely popular figure in Tunisia. Her amiable personality has won people’s hearts over the years.
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In her own words, Jabeur is “a proud Tunisian woman” and it shines through. Ons takes great pride in representing her country and community. She instills hope in women and children who might take up tennis someday. “I don’t see it as a burden, I see it as a great pleasure and great responsibility,” she said (via Middle East Eye).
Ons Jabeur continues to chart a path for herself, and those who might follow in her footsteps. She is currently playing at the Zhengzhou Open in China.