Marci Afriha gave her first interview after finally receiving Israeli citizenship, ahead of the Grand Slam Jerusalem athletics meet on Thursday, June 25, at the National Stadium in Givat Ram. The event is the third straight year the competition is held in Israel and one of the few major international sporting events there since the start of the Iron Swords war. About 76 athletes from 29 countries are expected to compete, alongside top Israeli track and field athletes.
Afriha said the citizenship process lasted nearly four years, even though she was born in Israel and has no connection to another country. She said the Israel Athletics Association eventually found lawyer Daniel, who fought for her case, and she received citizenship within three months after he began working on it. “I felt the meaning of the word, citizen. Free,” she said, adding that without citizenship she felt she was treated “not equally” and described herself as “a second-class citizen.”
Her brother Blessing Afriha learned of the decision while he was at the European Championships. He said the association’s CEO handed him a letter congratulating Marci, and that the long “saga” was finally over so she could represent Israel without any bureaucratic obstacles. “In the end, that was all she wanted, just to represent Israel,” he said.
Looking ahead to the meet, Marci said she is coming to break her Israeli 200-meter record again, after doing so last year following an injury. She said she is again coming back from injury but is in shape and prepared. “I am not doubting myself,” she said, adding that her coach believes in her. Blessing said he wants to redeem himself after missing victory in the 200 meters last year, saying he wants “to bring the pride back home” and win. He added that he still dreams of an Olympic medal, but first wants a medal at the European Championships, “no matter what color.”
