The representative of Israel to the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, Doron Matalon, posted a photo on her Instagram account of herself with colleagues from Japan, Slovakia and Lebanon.
The photo stirred up criticisms that got Lebanese stating their country’s representative at the prestigious pageant should be stripped of her title for consorting with the enemy.
Lebanon has a law forbidding its citizens from fraternizing with Israelis. In 1993, the government disqualified its Miss Universe representative after Agence France-Presse moved a photo of her smiling arm-in-arm with her Israeli competitor.
Lebanese Tourism Minister Michel Pharon shared with “The Associated Press” that “if there was bad intentions” from Ms. Lebanon Saly Greige, measures could be taken against her.
Ms. Israel is saddened that the photo has lead in such situation.
“It doesn’t surprise me, but it still makes me sad. Too bad you can not put the hostility out of the game, only for three weeks of an experience of a lifetime that we can meet girls from around the world and also from the neighboring country” Ms. Israel posted on her Instagram account.
Meanwhile, she also shared with NBC News that she hopes for change and peace between the said countries even just for three weeks.
“Just between me and her” Ms. Israel uttered.
“We need to remember that we represent the country and the people, not the government and not the political issues” she added.
(Photo Source: Doron Matalon’s Instagram)
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