Lebanese 8-year-old chess player Loren Abdel Samad withdrew from two scheduled matches against 'Israeli' opponents during the World Youth Chess Championship for the under-eight age category, held in Batumi, Georgia, from June 14-27, 2026 – according to a report on Lebanese media The withdrawals resulted in automatic losses and cost her points that could have influenced her final standing in the tournament, the reports said. Family cites personal stance According to her family speaking to Lebanese media, Abdel Samad chose not to face the 'Israeli' players despite knowing the decision would affect her tournament score. Her father, Bassam Abdel Samad, told local media that his daughter "withdrew from the games against two Israeli players intentionally." He added that she closely follows the news and has seen "the destruction of homes and the targeting of children." "Even if Lebanese law allowed her to play against the Israeli players, she would not have done so," he said, adding that she holds a firm personal position despite her young age. Rising young talent Before competing at the World Youth Chess Championship, Abdel Samad had already built an impressive record in Lebanon. She won first place in the Lebanese American University (LAU) Chess Championship and claimed the Lebanese Chess Federation title in her age category. After returning to Beirut, the young player is preparing to compete in the 2026 Lebanese Chess Championship.
They will also remain blissfully unaware of the comment above. That doesn’t make it acceptable.
Did you interpret the comment as aimed at the children, rather than the state of Israel?
Maybe the original commenter does consider a couple of 8 year olds to be evil, I can’t speak on their behalf; but it seems far more likely they’re referring to the genocidal state currently killing 8 year olds that they represent, rather than specific individuals playing chess.
Look at the other responses and tell me I’m wrong that that’s how it’s being interpreted. I donagree they are conflating the two. That has been Israels plan, conflate israels across with the identity of Jewishness, and then claim antisemitism when there is any criticism.
Unfortunately, that means people are now conflating the two. In this case, to call children in a chess tournament evil. That’s where Israels actions serve to increase antisemitism. Globally.
Did you think they were referring to a Palestinian child from occupied territory? Of course not. The fact they are called israeli serves to suggest their religion and political views, before they even have a formed view.