Palestinian-American athlete Valerie Tarazi has arrived in Paris with a mission that transcends personal achievement. Her primary objective is to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves and to instill hope among Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, as she prepares to compete in the Olympics.

Tarazi, a swimmer set to compete in the 200 meters individual medley, has described her participation in the Games as the realization of a lifelong aspiration. In a video call with NBC News shortly after her arrival in Paris, she recounted her childhood vision of competing at the Olympics, inspired by her experiences watching the Beijing Games in 2008.

In addition to her athletic pursuits, Tarazi is embarking on a new academic chapter. She has recently completed a master’s degree in supply chain management from Auburn University in Alabama and is poised to commence a Ph.D. program. Her arrival in Paris signifies a significant milestone, not only in her athletic career but also in her academic journey.

Tarazi’s presence in Paris carries profound symbolic weight, particularly in light of the severe conditions in Gaza. Following the escalation of conflict with Hamas on October 7, local health officials report over 38,700 fatalities. This violence has led to widespread devastation, with approximately 1,200 individuals killed and 240 taken hostage in the initial attack, according to Israeli sources.

The 24-year-old swimmer, who was born and raised in Chicago, underscored that her participation is not merely a quest for personal glory. Instead, she views it as a platform to advocate for the people of Gaza, whose plight has deeply moved her. She acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll on Palestinians, particularly those like herself who are distant from their homeland. Her family's roots in Gaza and their ongoing efforts to support those affected by the conflict add a personal dimension to her mission.

Tarazi is one of eight Palestinian athletes competing in Paris, a group that includes swimmer Yazan al Bawwab, taekwondo fighter Omar Ismail, judoka Fares Badawi, boxer Waseem Abu Sal, runners Layla Almasri and Mohammed Dwedar, and skeet shooter Jorge Antonio Salhe. Notably, Ismail is the only athlete who directly qualified for the Games, while the others have been awarded Universality Places, a provision enabling athletes from nations with less-developed sports programs to participate.

Many of these athletes are part of the Palestinian diaspora or come from regions experiencing significant turmoil. Tarazi, for instance, represents a diaspora community descended from families displaced during the Nakba of 1948, when approximately 700,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes. The occupied West Bank, where athletes like Badawi, Abu Sal, and Dwedar hail from, has seen escalating violence following the recent conflict.

Recent developments, including Israel’s decision to appropriate nearly five square miles of land in the Jordan Valley, have further exacerbated tensions. This move, described by U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric as “a step in the wrong direction,” complicates efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution.

The participation of Tarazi and her fellow athletes in the Olympics represents more than just competitive sports; it is a declaration of resilience and a call for global recognition of Palestinian identity and rights. Nader Jayousi, technical director of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, highlighted the immense significance of the athletes’ presence in Paris. Their participation is seen as a means to inspire future generations and to assert Palestinian identity on the global stage. Despite the numerous challenges, the athletes remain determined to excel and make a substantial impact both in competition and in the broader context of their mission.