Refugee from Darfur Will Represent Israel in European Championship

18 June 2015

RamziAbdulJaber_325x325Ramzi Abdul Jaber, an 18 year old refugee from Darfur, was granted citizenship at the end of the last government’s term by then-Interior Minister Gilad Erdan. And he is already making his new country proud. Abdul Jaber is considered one of the best runners in Israel. In July, he will represent Israel in mid and long-distance running at the European Championships in Sweden.

Rafi Peled, chairman of the Israeli Athletic Association said, “The Athletic Association welcomes the bestowing of citizenship on everyone who asks to be a citizen of the State of Israel, and especially to phenomenal athletes. I am sure that these athletes will contribute with their abilities and there is no doubt that in the long term this contribution will be felt and will advance Israeli athletics.”

NIF has been active in securing rights for Israel’s refugee community for years through support of organizations like Assaf – the Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, which works to help Ramzi and other young people to integrate into Israeli society. We are proud to see the fruits of that effort today in the success of Ramzi Abdul Jaber.