Ons Jabeur has a pro-Palestine stance – here’s everything you need to know
The recent intensification of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has deeply affected people globally. With tensions reaching unprecedented levels, Ons Jabeur has addressed the issue.
The Tunisian athlete has been unequivocal in expressing her stance, firmly condemning the violence. Jabeur, known for her outspoken nature, did not hesitate to voice her opinion on the conflict. She chose Instagram as the platform to express her solidarity with Palestine and strongly denounce the ongoing violence.
For more than seven decades, Palestine has been embroiled in a conflict with Israel. On her Instagram story, Ons Jabeur addressed the struggles faced by Palestinians due to Israel’s actions. She called for peace and emphasized the importance of considering the historical and contextual aspects of this dispute.
Jabeur concluded her message with the hashtag ‘Free Palestine. In her Instagram story, she expressed the indescribable hardships endured by Palestinians over the last 75 years, particularly innocent civilians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. Jabeur firmly advocated for non-violence, stating her opposition to the taking of people’s lands.
Ons Jabeur hasn’t managed to match the success of her previous year. While she came extremely close to securing her first Grand Slam victory at SW19, she fell short of that achievement. Nevertheless, reaching the Wimbledon final is a remarkable accomplishment, and she has done so twice.
Although the title has eluded Jabeur on both occasions, her achievement is of great significance as she became the first Arab-African player to reach the final. Affectionately referred to as the ‘Minister of Happiness,’ Ons is widely adored in Tunisia. Her amiable personality has endeared her to people over the years, making her a beloved figure.
In her own words, Jabeur describes herself as “a proud Tunisian woman,” and this pride is evident in her actions. She holds a deep sense of honor in representing her country and her community. Jabeur serves as a source of inspiration for women and children who aspire to pursue tennis in the future.
She has consistently viewed this responsibility not as a burden but as a source of immense pleasure and a significant duty. Jabeur remains committed to carving out her own path and setting an example for those who may choose to follow in her footsteps.
Ons Jabeur was born to Samira and Ridha Jabeur in Ksar Hellal, a small town in Tunisia. She spent her childhood in the nearby coastal town of Sousse. Jabeur has two older brothers, Hatem and Marwen, and an older sister, Yasmine. Her interest in tennis was sparked by her mother, who played the sport recreationally and introduced Ons to it when she was just three years old.
At the age of twelve, Jabeur relocated to Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, to train at the Lycée Sportif El Menzah, a national sports high school that nurtures the country’s emerging athletes, where she trained for several years.
Jabeur follows the Islamic faith, and during tournaments, she occasionally has to adjust her practices due to Ramadan. She is married to Karim Kamoun, a Russian-Tunisian former fencer who has been her fitness coach since mid-2017. In 2019, Jabeur received the Arab Woman of the Year Award in the sport category, in recognition of her achievements, which included reaching the third round of the US Open and establishing herself as a consistent presence in the top 100 rankings that year.
The 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war saw Hamas militants planning to break the Gaza siege and launch multi-pronged attacks on Israeli military and civilian installations. This operation, named the ‘Aqsa Typhoon/Flood,’ aimed to involve ground, aerial, and naval actions simultaneously, with intentions to breach Israeli borders at around 22 locations. Thousands of rockets were fired, resulting in numerous casualties, including both Israeli military personnel and civilians, including women and children.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a polarized nation, initiated a retaliatory campaign named “Operation Iron Sword” with the objective of significantly weakening Hamas and its capabilities. He expressed a strong commitment to making the enemy pay an unprecedented price and ensuring Israel’s victory in this conflict.
The Israeli Defense Forces’ formidable strength and firepower make their superiority evident, and they aim to prevail over their adversaries. However, the ongoing war is expected to be intense and retribution-driven, with potential dire consequences for civilians on both sides. International intervention from countries like Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey may be sought to de-escalate the situation, with a focus on securing the early release of captured Israelis.
Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis player, has taken a strong pro-Palestine stance, using her platform to condemn violence and advocate for peace. While she is known for her tennis achievements, she remains outspoken on important global issues.
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