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Mercy Afirapa says citizenship fight made her feel like a second-class citizen
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
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First reported by Mako · Jun 23, 2026
What happened
Mercy Afirapa said her long citizenship battle left her feeling like a “second-class citizen,” but now she feels free to represent Israel. Ahead of the Grand Slam Jerusalem on June 25, she said she aims to break her Israeli 200-meter record again, while her brother Blessing wants to rebound from last year’s disappointment.
- 01Mercy Afirapa said her citizenship struggle lasted nearly four years.
- 02She called herself a “second-class citizen” before receiving citizenship.
- 03She plans to chase the Israeli 200-meter record again in Jerusalem.
- 04Blessing Afirapa said he wants to win and restore pride at home.
- 05Grand Slam Jerusalem 2026 will host 76 athletes from 29 countries on June 25.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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