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The 12th FINA world championship has provided five Palestinians with the opportunity to experience some well deserved relief from the war-torn streets of Palestine. The swimmers are in Australia for the first time and have arrived carrying the hopes of a people that are currently suffering brutal occupation. Hamza Abdo 16 and Fadi Awesat 18, both from Jerusalem and siblings Sami and Zakia Nassar, 18 and 20 respectively from Bethlehem along with Sadeq Damrah, 24 who now resides in the US are all extremely excited about the swimming championships. The Israeli authorities denied a further two swimmers from Rafah in Gaza, who form part of the Palestinian swim team, the necessary permits to travel to Australia. The opportunity to be able to compete on the world stage is a major achievement for the five. Chef de Mission Mr. Ibrahim Altaweel said that they were "extremely grateful" for the assistance of the local Palestinian community. Mr. Altaweel said that the sanctions imposed upon the Palestinian Authority by the international community as a result of last year's election victory by Hamas has had "terrible" consequences. He went on to say that "We're here to swim for Palestine, [but] we cannot forget what is happening back home". The swim team and the 2 officials had to rely on the private sponsorships from the Australian Palestinian community to get to Melbourne. Head Coach Mr. Naser Toutanji said that some unexpected costs of travel have meant that "the swimmers have already spent their pocket money". The swimmers will compete in several disciplines over the course of the championships, the first of which will be Sunday March 25. All of the swimmers will be in the pool on Friday March 30. The Palestinian community of Victoria will be holding a number of special events to honour the swimming team's first ever visit to Melbourne. The Head of the Palestinian Delegation to Australia HE Dr. Izzat Abdulhadi will also officially welcome the swimming team this week. The Chef De Mission or Head Coach can be contacted via this office for any further comments. Australians for Palestine: 9818 5080 or 0419 999 773 - Email |
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BRIEFING PAPERS
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Briefing Paper No 45 |
PRESS RELEASES
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Palestinian supporters around Australia have warmly welcomed Australia's UN votes.... (more) |
THE ECONOMIST
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© 2007 Australians for Palestine