Jawhar welcomed back to Bahrain; “apologizes” for running Israeli marathon
Posted January 23rd, 2007 at 7:06 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz
Section: News & Results, Marathons
Two weeks ago, The Final Sprint reported that Bahrain revoked the citizenship of runner Mushir Salem Jawhar due to his participation in the Tiberias marathon in Israel, a country Bahrain refuses to recognize.
Jawhar can now breathe a sigh of relief and has returned home. After he formally apologized last week to the government in Manama for breaking the country’s laws by competing in Israel, Bahrain reversed its decision to revoke the citizenship of the Kenya-born athlete. Yousif Ahmed Abdul Qadar, general supervisor of the Bahraini Athletics Association, confirmed:
“He has apologized for the mistake. It is all sorted out. He’s free to run for Bahrain again.”
However, in order to have his citizenship reinstated, he also had to surrender his Kenyan passport, which he reportedly used to travel to Israel earlier in the month. It was there that he won the Tiberias marathon (2:13:12) before learning that Bahrain had learned that Bahrain revoked his citizenship.
A note from the Editor: In my opinion, Jawhar apparently had to give up a lot more than just his Kenyan passport. He also surrendered his dignity by “apologizing” for visiting Israel; a country that despite one’s own political opinions, has a far better human rights record than Bahrain.
What’s your take? Let us know by filling out the form below:
Related Stories:
- Top Two Finishers From 2007 to Come Back to Manchester Road Race
- Ramzi Defeats Kiprop to Win First-Ever Olympic Gold for Bahrain; Willis Surprises with Bronze
- LIVE at the Boston Marathon: Prokopcuka back in front; Pack begins to spread out
- Honolulu Marathon Apologizes for Timing Problems
- NYC MARATHON ‘07: Radcliffe Allows Wami to Stay Close On First Avenue; Ndereba Climbs Back
Tags: Arab, Bahrain, catholic, champion, christian, Israel, Jew, Jewish, kenya, marathon, marathon winner, Middle East, Mushir Salem Jawher, mushir salim jawher, passport, Tiberias Marathon
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
[…] The situation around Bahraini runner Mushir Salem Jawhar, which seemed resolved, is once again in flux. […]
February 6th, 2007 at 6:32 pmDear,
I would like to apply for be a voulenter in your raceand aloso be member in the club of israel.In fact, iam really interest to be a guest whish will gave many fruitfull idea .
Without forget iam an international athleth from morocco, whish participate in many intenatinal marathon and cross country like istanbul.More than that,iam experience in commerce and in apiculture bussniss and tourism.
I will wait favourate answered from you
My name :Mounir Belkebir
N° Passport: R 011664
Best Regardes.
March 3rd, 2007 at 9:44 amMounir.