Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has made a heartfelt decision to donate a portion of her prize money from the ongoing Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals to Palestinians affected by Israel’s war on Gaza. Jabeur, visibly emotional after her win over Marketa Vondrousova in Cancun, Mexico, expressed her concerns about the situation in the world, particularly the heartbreaking images coming out of Gaza.
“It’s very tough seeing children, babies dying every day,” Jabeur said, holding back tears. “I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians.” Jabeur’s act of generosity reflects her deep empathy and desire for peace in the world.
The 29-year-old athlete has been an outspoken advocate for social issues, particularly in the Middle East and North African region. Despite her victory on the court, Jabeur expressed her frustration with the ongoing violence and her struggle to find sleep amidst the “horrible” photos and videos from the war in Gaza.
Jabeur’s donation comes at a critical time, as at least 8,796 people, including 3,648 children and 2,290 women, have been killed in Gaza due to the Israeli bombardment since October 7. As the only Arab and Muslim player to have qualified for a women’s singles Grand Slam final, Jabeur holds a unique position to bring attention to the suffering of Palestinians.
Although Jabeur acknowledges that her donation may not immediately change the situation, she hopes it will provide some relief for those affected. She also revealed plans to establish her own foundation in the near future, stating her desire to be not just an athlete but also a good ambassador and a humanitarian.
Jabeur’s decision to help the Palestinians has garnered support from fans and admirers, with one young fan expressing gratitude for Jabeur’s influence on their tennis career. Despite the honor, Jabeur recognizes that winning a tennis match pales in comparison to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza.
“I wish I could wave a magic wand and just end this and have peace for everybody,” Jabeur said.
As Jabeur continues to raise awareness and support for those affected by the conflict in Gaza, her actions serve as a reminder of the power of athletes to make a difference beyond the sports arena.
