15 Social Media Reactions to Islam El-Shehaby Refusing To Shake Hands With Israeli Opponent

This year's Olympics have been interesting for Egyptians overall – we won a couple medals and everybody loved our outfits, so we were charged with happiness, but now we're charged with politics. It all started with Egyptian Judo competitor Islam el-Shehaby being urged not to play the match against Israeli Or Sasson, which he did end up playing, and losing. But, unlike most Olympic matches, it didn't end there, because then el-Shehaby refused to shake hands with Sasson after the match. If this was the case between two other players from countries with no violent history, we'd say el-Shehaby is a just sore loser, however, it seems that this was a politically motivated move.

According to Al Ahram News, L'Espirit du Judo reported that el-Shehaby asserts that he respects the rules of judo, and nothing within these rules obligates him to shake hands with his opponent. More that that, he was quoted saying, "I have no problem with Jewish people or any other religion or different beliefs. But for personal reasons, you can't ask me to shake the hand of anyone from this State, especially in front of the whole world." While the International Olympic Committee opened a disciplinary commission, and responded, "The Olympic spirit should be about building bridges, never about erecting walls."

As always, Egyptians ran to social media to search for the truth or share some of their own 'truth' – some were pro, some were con, some felt bad for el-Shehaby and the pressure he faced, and still others thought he should never had competed at all:

Some are looking up to el-Shehaby.

Some understand that el-Shehaby has other accomplishments he should be remembered for.

Some just take it as a chance to bash Israel.

Some say the loss was because of all the pressure he faced.

Some believe he made Israel win twice.