Rabat – Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu welcomed Ahed Tamimi, the Palestinian teen who served eight months in prison for slapping an Israeli soldier.
The symbol of the Palestinian struggle visited the Bernabeu at the request of Real Madrid.
The visit took place yesterday a few hours before a game between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
Tamimi visited Spain along her father to participate in several political events. She met with Real Madrid’s current senior manager and former forward Emilio Butragueno. Tamimi also received a Real Madrid jersey with her name on it.
The Palestinian activist was freed from Israel’s HaSharon prison on July 29. The Palestinian girl was convicted of assaulting an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier.
Real Madrid’s move received criticism from Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman, Emmanuel Nahshon. The official took to his twitter to criticize Real Madrid on Sunday.
Ahed Tamimi está promoviendo violencia contra ciudadanos israelies. @realmadrid – recibir una terrorista que incita al odio y a la violencia es algo que no tiene nada que ver con los valores universales de fútbol. https://t.co/DGN2NDWTMx
— Yoav Katz ?? (@YoavKatz) September 29, 2018
Nahshon wrote that “Tamimi is not a peaceful fighter but an advocate of violence and terror.” He added that Real Madrid “encourages aggression (…) Today, I a not going to the Bernabeu,” he added.
Ahed Tamimi no es una luchadora pacífica sino una defensora de la violencia y el terror. Las instituciones que la recibieron y festejaron alientan indirectamente la agresión y no el diálogo y el entendimiento que necesitamos.
Hoy no voy al Bernabéu.@realmadrid @PSOE— Embajador Israel?? (@Isr_Amb_Esp) September 29, 2018
