Faith

‘Allahu Akbar’: Egyptian Judo Athlete Who Won‘t Shake Israeli Rival’s Hand Called ‘National Hero’

Egyptian Judo Athlete Who Wont Shake Israeli Rivals Hand Called | Ramadan Darwish | Arik Zeevi

Egyptian judoka Ramadan Darwish refused to shake the hand of Israeli rival Arik Zeevi after the Egyptian defeated him in the quarterfinals of the Judo Grand Prix in Dusseldorf, Germany, prompting an Egyptian website to dub him a “national hero” and an Israeli sportscaster to call him not “sportsmanlike.”

According to the Israeli athlete, “He also yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ when the fight ended.”

Israel’s Ynet News reports on the fallout since Sunday’s match:

Egyptian news websites published a number of reports on the incident with a link to a video of the bout. “Darwish is a national hero,” one website declared, adding “Israel is a terrorist nation.”

Some of the talkbackers also lauded the Egyptian judoka for snubbing his Israeli rival. “Darwish, we love you for what you did,“ ”Egypt wins again,“ and ”There is no peace after what Israel did” were some of the responses posted online. Other talkbackers criticized Darwish for agreeing to fight Zeevi in the first place.

Darwish eventually finished third in the under-100-kg weight class of the prestigious tournament.

Zeevi told Ynet:

Egyptian Judo Athlete Who Wont Shake Israeli Rivals Hand Called | Ramadan Darwish | Arik Zeevi

Israel's Arik Zeevi (photo from Ynet)

“The Egyptian’s behavior only intensified my disappointment. He also yelled ‘Allahu Akbar’ when the fight ended. His disgraceful behavior makes me regret the loss even more.”

An Israeli sportscaster covering the match said in Hebrew (video below), “Not nice. Even when the Egyptian wins, he doesn’t know how to be sportsmanlike. Simply shameful. Shameful.”

This isn’t the first time the two athletes have met on the mat. In May, the Israeli won the gold medal – but no Egyptian handshake – in the Moscow Grand Prix. JTA reported then:

Egyptian competitor Ramadan Darwish refused to shake Zeevi’s hand after his defeat Sunday in the quarterfinals despite an order by the referee. After repeated requests, Darwish returned to execute the traditional bow, which he did toward the referee.

Ynet reports that the Israel Judo Association has sent a letter of complaint to the International Judo Federation.

Watch the match in the video below. Darwish in white snubs his Israeli rival at 7:20. It’s not possible to hear Darwish saying “Allahu Akbar” as the Israeli athlete reported, but Darwish is seen after hugging his coach at 7:40 bowing on the floor in Muslim prayer.

(H/T: Ynet News)

Comments (145)

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  • momrules
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:39am

    This had nothing to do with sportsmanship and everything to do with Islam’s absolute, centuries old hatred for the Jewish people.

    Report Post »  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:14pm

      Correct- if the shoe was on the other foot – the liberal news folks would be going wild– everyone knows that muslims have no class – just goes to prove it

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:22pm

      No-arab jews and arab muslims and arab christians co-existed in arab lands peacefully-till the european zionists and western colonialism caused the rift..

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:53pm

      @rose
      By “peacefully” I assume you mean that Jews were second class citizens. One could say blacks lived in harmony with whites prior to Civil War while in the aftermath whites in the South often lynched blacks for no reason. Perhaps we should blame the meddlesome northerners right?

      Report Post »  
    • survivorseed
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 12:41am

      wow, jews and muslims hate each other. who woulda thought

      Report Post »  
    • BlazeYa
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 5:19am

      Egyptian Do not Love Israelis … that is common sens.. for them..
      It does not have to do anything with Isalm/Chrisitianity or judaism it is just a fierece rivalry between the two nations…
      Israelis are always trying to play Smart and gain the trust of the Egyptians.. but on the other hand Egyptians are aware of the Terrorist history of the Israelis and how they stole the land of the palestinians and how they are trying to play the inocent role nowadays… it doesnt shock me if he doesnt shake hands … because for this Egyptian guy he does not want to mix his hand with DIRT

      Report Post »  
    • Banner67
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 7:10pm

      I am a Judo referee and there is nothing in the rules that states that you must shake the hand of an opponent. Even at local tournaments some of the more Sr refs don’t expect or require a handshake. Now, if they want to shake hand, that is completely up to the competitors.

      Report Post »  
  • shogun459
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:38am

    An Israeli sportscaster covering the match said in Hebrew (video below), “Not nice. Even when the Egyptian wins, he doesn’t know how to be sportsmanlike. Simply shameful. Shameful.”

    Really, has this sportscaster not been paying attention. This isn’t about sports, it’s about beating the Juden in every format. He needs to look a little further than the sports page if he can’t understand racial hatred when he sees it, and he thinks he’s an observant journalist.

    Report Post » shogun459  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:56am

      Is it Racial Hate or is it Xenophobia, as in they hate anyone who is not in this case Muslim or Egyptian

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:07pm

      Why are these inbred 7th century freaks so filled with Hate ? Wait i think i just answered my own question, forget it…

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:08pm

      Yet when Smith put his fist up, they took away his gold medal.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • CptStubbing
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:17pm

      I guess we have douche bags in every country. At least he didn’t bite off the guys ear.

      We see this all the time in our country, but all of a sudden if a Muslim does it to Jew, it’s different?

      Report Post »  
    • Miami
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:27pm

      So he won‘t shake his hand but he’d hug him for five to six minutes…? If he had any real conviction he’d refuse to compete with the Israeli. I’s so typical of half a$$ed Islamist

      Report Post » Miami  
    • Miami
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:32pm

      This reminds me of Pretty Woman, the ****** that would not kiss the guy who she had sex with for money…

      Report Post » Miami  
    • The_Fox
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:44pm

      @ CptStubbing
      Well, yes, this is different. Mike Tyson is not a “movement” or religion; he’s just a jerk. The Egyptian hates, and has no respect for the Israeli. For him, this IS combat for his cause and beliefs, not good or bad sportsmanship.

      The Mike Tyson’s of this world do not strap on bomb vests and walk into a crowd of civilians…

      Again, this is different.

      Report Post »  
    • KixAcelot
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:11pm

      @Vechorik You’re not being honest or you are ill informed. Netanyahu did not say anything like that on his Facebook page. Another Facebook user posted that comment (and others posted equally vile things) on his page but it was not posted BY Netanyahu. You could go to my Facebook page and post that the Sun revolves around the Earth. That doesn’t mean I believe in geocentricity.

      Report Post » KixAcelot  
    • The_Fox
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:22pm

      or…
      Is it possible the Egyptian knew that if he did shake the Israeli’s hand after the match, when he returned home, he and his family would be killed? Just say’n, either way you look at it, the radical Muslims are bad news for every one.

      Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:39pm

      He will have the opportunity to shake his father’s hand-satan, in the near future.

      Report Post » Hollywood  
    • GroundZero is Nuclear Demolition x3
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:55pm

      Handshaking was originally a gesture for when people MEET, and symbolized an empty hand (no weapons).
      Of course we all know Israel has 300-600 nuclear weapons and NO OVER SITE from ANY international organization. Under international law it’s ILLEGAL to give military aid (pc term economic assistance) to countries who posses nukes. Israel will not allow inspectors EXACTLY LIKE IRAQ, yet no mention has been made to invade them.

      Most every comment here is not very informed or down right STUPID.

      Report Post »  
    • Anamah
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:32pm

      Nazi supremacy at work. Egyptian lost its greatness in the time of the Pharaohs.

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 2:37pm

      @Groundzero
      Who exactly gets to decide what’s “international law”? The UN? An unelected body of people who can’t be held responsible to the people they represent? Sounds like that’s an ironclad argument you got there (sarcasm). Sorry but Israel has had nukes and never used them. Iraq had chemical weapons (which are WMDs) and used them against both Israel and ITS OWN PEOPLE. Apples and Oranges.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 3:51pm

      @GroundZero is Nuclear Demolition x3
      Handshaking was originally a gesture for when people MEET, and symbolized an empty hand (no weapons).
      —-
      You lie and you THINK we are gullible, but we ain’t. Shaking hands with your opponent is considered good sportsmanship and therefore a sports protocol of sorts. That is the context and topic under discussion, not politics. If having nuclear weapons were a deterrent, this Egyptian Islamist would have refused to shake hands with Chinese, Russian, British or French athletes. Is that the case?

      => “Under international law it’s ILLEGAL to give military aid (pc term economic assistance) to countries who posses nukes.”
      —-
      We abide by our own laws, thank you. We gave $1.1 BILLION in financial aid to Pakistan just in 2011, and Pakistan has nukes, stupid.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:08pm

      @CptStubbing
      At least he didn’t bite off the guys ear.
      We see this all the time in our country, but all of a sudden if a Muslim does it to Jew, it’s different?
      ———
      Very different. Tyson couldn’t control his aggression. He was/is? a socially unfit individual. This athlete is an Islamist and he can’t control his hate toward Jews. His cry, which has been appropriated by modern jihadists as their own battle cry, declares that his god, Allah, is the greater god. Giving out that battle cry in a sports competition indicates he is a radicalized and wishes Israel were wiped off the map.

      If you can’t tell the difference you are a shill for Islamism, i.e., a liberal or a Paulist.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 4:26pm

      I had initially written “a radicalized Muslim,” but then realized I was being redundant.

      Report Post »  
    • Ishmot2
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 6:48pm

      The Mike Tyson’s of this world do not strap on bomb vests and walk into a crowd of civilians…

      Again, this is different.

      He might now he has been to prison, and is now a Muslim.

      Report Post »  
    • Clutch
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 8:06pm

      @kryptonite

      WTF? A Paulist? … I agreed with almost everything you said until I got to that bit of ignorance…

      Ron Paul believes Israel can fight their own battles… Israel believes they can fight their own battles. It’s ignorant arrogant conservatives that believe America should have to send their own young men and women over to a country to help them, when help is not needed.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 8:52pm

      Have no Illusions… there will be a Fight to The Death!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 3:43am

      @Clutch
      Ron Paul believes Israel can fight their own battles… Israel believes they can fight their own battles. It’s ignorant arrogant conservatives that believe America should have to send their own young men and women over to a country to help them, when help is not needed.
      ———-
      Paul manipulates language to brainwash his followers. Israel has never asked for US troops, but we have always had their back. That policy changed abruptly with Barack Hussein and would continue with Paul, who disingenuously claims Israel does not need our help. Israel is a tiny country surrounded by deadly enemies who hate us as well. Of course they need our help. Read some: http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/980925/yomkippr.shtml

      Report Post »  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:27am

    You tube comments are sickening . WAKE UP ……they will be saying a llah akbar over a loved one. BTW you can’t lower case Allah try it.

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:23am

    I wonder what the MSM would say about this Egyptian using religion in a sport? They piled on Tebow.
    So, are they going to call the butt-salute to Allah, a “Darwish?” It’s just plain old nasty unsportsmanship to not shake hands, but then again, you have to watch which hand you shake with a muslim, not that anyone who does wouldn’t want to douse their hand in an anti-bacterial solution.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Godfather.1
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:22am

    Not shaking an opponent’s hand it bad sportsmanship, but the article fails to mention whether the Egyptian fighter shakes anyone’s hand after a match and, thus, not making it clear that this was solely directed against the Israeli fighter. Yes, it notes other instances when he didn‘t shake the Israeli’s hand, but it also doesn‘t say that he shook other fighters’ hands when he fought them.

    Some people just don‘t like shaking their opponents’ hands after a competition i.e., Lebron James and many other American athletes, and it has nothing to do with their opponents’ ideology.

    Report Post »  
    • shogun459
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:59am

      That‘s why it’s a story, he shakes other opponents hands.
      your mudding the waters

      Report Post » shogun459  
    • Godfather.1
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:16pm

      Actually, nowhere in the story does it say that he shakes other people’s hands. It only says that he has refused to shake the Israeli fighter’s hand, which does not mean that he shakes hands with his other opponents.

      If he in fact does shake hands with his other opponents, then this article should say that. However, it is more likely that the Blaze is just trying to stir up more anti-Islamic sentiments with this article.

      By not shaking hands, he is a poor sport. If he in fact did it over ethnic and religious reasons, he was wrong to do so. However, there is nothing in this article or in his actions that show it was over religious grounds.

      Report Post »  
    • Shusk2011
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 9:29pm

      You brought up a good point.

      But you should add that some judoka are taught to shake hands off the mat because the highest form of respect on the mat is the bow.

      Report Post »  
  • Epic Fail
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:19am

    They look like they are dancing. I guess that is how it is done. I’d like to see the Egyptian guy in the UFC ring and get the F knocked out, after taking a good bloody beating…

    Report Post » Epic Fail  
    • Shusk2011
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 9:33pm

      If you want to see good judo, watch randori (free practice) that’s when people usually get moving especially if the opponent is good.

      The match would have been better if the captains from my sophomore year were duking it out on the mat. Also they could have had better posture.

      Report Post »  
  • jesternhell
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:17am

    that is just bad that an international body would continue to put up with that does not seem to be the spirit of Judo

    Report Post »  
  • psadie
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:15am

    And the Arabs say the Israelis are the oppressors! There will never be peace in the Middle East, the mindset is too radical and they keep passing it on to their children so the hatred never dies.

    Report Post »  
  • Whirling Dervish
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:13am

    Propaganda at its finest!!

    “Darwish is seen after hugging his coach at 7:40 bowing on the floor in Muslim prayer.”

    Liar Liar Blaze on Fire!!!

    Report Post » Whirling Dervish  
  • sailsalot
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:02am

    I guess the arab spring is polluted.

    Report Post »  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:12am

      Yes, but the libs are drinking and grinning. Unwitting fools.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:25am

      The problem with these arab/muslims is they have no sense of pr.They overthrew a dictator and instead of that becoming an asset in their much needed pr campaign-they’re going to draw negative attention on themselves by applauding this thin skiinned “athlete”. [i do side with the arab palestinians however].

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:51am

      awww….poor ROSE-ELLEN..did your beloved muslim let his mask drop after you lefties have spent so much time and effort trying to portray muslims as benign and peaceful and the Israelis as spiteful and mean? Poor baby….

      Report Post »  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:00am

    Just another muslim terrorist.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • CottonMPG
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:58am

    They are bad winners and bad losers, they are just bad. Too bad they have no real desire to improve. I‘m sorry for the Israeli that he was disrespected but he shouldn’t have expected any better.

    Report Post » CottonMPG  
  • murahu
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:57am

    I shaking hands is part of the ritual, and the Egyptian refuses, he should be banned from some future matches. Suppose he had raised his arm in a fascist salute?
    A point of sport is to develop good sportsmanship. The Egyptian has failed and should be barres from a number of future matches.

    Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:15am

      i agree.Don‘t enter the competition if you’re gonna play politics and refuse to shake hands with a winner.And considering egypt has a peace treaty with israel it makes it more reprehensible.

      Report Post »  
    • This_Individual
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:40am

      Rose, do I detect a hint of rationale?

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:49am

      No…ROSE-ELLEN isn’t being rational. She already hinted at what her game is in this instance. Public Relations. It’s important for the left to believe that the “muslims” are always nice and benign and that the Jews are always beligerent and spiteful. This however, goes against their propaganda campaign by showing clearly the malice and spite of muslims against jews. ROSE-ELLEN is trying to do some damage control.

      Report Post »  
    • rickroland
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:08pm

      If the rules call for a hand shake, then yes, the athlete could be disqualified from the tournament or the sport. But, if the rules do not state that a hand shake is *required*, then no discipline would be warranted, no matter if it is against tradition or whatever.

      Is it bad sportsmanship, yes, most certainly.

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:39pm

      @Rose
      That peace treaty was made by a government that doesn‘t exist anymore and the most recent one hasn’t decided if they’re going to honor it. And if this is any indication…

      Report Post »  
    • Shusk2011
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 9:10pm

      At the dojo I trained at we were taught that the highest form of respect for our opponents was to bow to them. If you wanted to shake hands with them you did it off of the mat.

      As for the Egyptian judoka, his dojo could also teach it that way. So maybe we’re all reading a little too much into it.

      But it is bad sportsmanship if he didn’t shake hands off the mat after the match.

      Report Post »  
  • jeffile
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:55am

    It’s a shame when this type of action occurs (and this is not the first time) that the Israeli doesn’t simply turn around and simulate washing the camel smell off of himself.

    Report Post »  
  • magadog
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:53am

    …shoulda kicked his a$$ for God and country…end of discussion.

    Report Post » magadog  
    • Godfather.1
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:17am

      Too bad he would have lost, especially considering the Egyptian just beat him in hand to hand combat.

      Report Post »  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 12:19pm

      i do side with the arab palestinians.That doesn‘t mean that arabs can’t do bad things or harbor unjust feelings and beliefs.shaking hands with an oppenent in a sports competition is common decency.being unwilling to do so on political grounds is indecent.and it rightfully -portrays arab/muslims in a negative light.That does not mean that israeli occupation is justified or that arabs should live under western backed dictators.or that we have the right to kill em all.even indecent crass people have the right to live.That they lack good pr has always been a problem for them-they’re not savy and the arab spring could and should have been used to among other noble reasons show the world their human side. This plays into the narrative of arab/muslims as hateful -which of course they’re no more or less hateful then others.they’re in conflict with israel over the illigal occupation and annexation of land in 67.They should have risen to the occassion however on this one.

      Report Post »  
    • tzion
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Rose, Israel never annexed that territory. Get your facts right. In fact, Transjordan annexed Judea-Samaria in 1948 and rechristened it “The West Bank” to get rid of the Judaic origin of its name.

      Report Post »  
  • Idahosauce
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:53am

    Take heart Zeevi, the muslim has already lost the real battle and doesn’t even see it coming.

    Report Post » Idahosauce  
  • ashtongramp
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:51am

    everyone should click on the youtube button and go to the actual source of the video. You should read all the evil hateful comments left there by Egyptians and other supporters. Just a warning, there is a ton of bad language.

    Report Post »  
  • TROONORTH
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:50am

    This is a direct result of Obama’s cherished “Arab Spring”. The gutter has come to rule in Egypt and the future for the middle east does not look promising. In fact, the future for the entire world does not look promising as the Israeli people will not go down without a fight and the Arabs will have more than their noses bloodied this time.

    Report Post » TROONORTH  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:48am

    Good thing he won, might have blown the whole place up if he lost.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 11:53am

      One thing in martial arts you always must remember…there’s always someone else who can beat you…it’s only a matter of the right tournament. Humility is one of the most important things you’re taught in any martial art.

      Report Post »  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:45am

    May the best man win!

    TEA

    Report Post » MONICNE  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:42am

    Obviously there was a different battle besides Judo taking place in at least one of the contestant’s mind. Peace and sportsmanship was not on the agenda.

    Report Post » Tigress1  
  • cuinsong
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:41am

    Another reason to despise the Islamic people and their faith! This is a sick religion and is definitely the devils own following! This truly is a sign that we are on the path of destruction that is out of control and the end times may be near. “The End Times” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_10381143

    Report Post » cuinsong  
  • lilmacs
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:40am

    The Egyptian was probably recalling all the times his country kicked Israels ass recently and didn’t figure he was worth a handshake.

    Report Post » lilmacs  
    • schlepnier
      Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:52am

      LOL thats funny but in retrospect zero doesn’t take a long time to think about for the egyptian athlete

      Report Post » schlepnier  
    • Seede
      Posted on February 23, 2012 at 11:31am

      LILMACS
      Are you being facetious ? When did Egypt kick Israel’s A@@ recently ?

      Report Post »  
  • The_Jerk
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:35am

    It’s a shame. Sports, once the bastion of hope and humane values has devolved. We see it here in America too, the Ali-type “it’s all about me athlete.”

    Report Post »  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on February 22, 2012 at 10:33am

    I stand with the Israel and the jewish people! Boohoo you loser Egyptian extremist! You have no courage!

    Report Post »  
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