The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

Miss Universe photo energizes Middle East feud

By Catherine Hilliard
Staff Writer

Lebanese Miss Universe contestant Saly Greige has faced criticism after posing for a selfie with Miss Israel, Doron Matalon, along with Miss Japan and Miss Slovenia on Jan. 11, 2015, in Miami, Florida. The picture sparked a world-wide debate about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, who are still at war. Although there have not been any large disputes on the border since 2006, citizens of both countries are not permitted to cross the border into the neighboring country.

Lebanese government has strictly prohibited their citizens from coming in contact with the Israeli people, as well as banning Israeli products from crossing into Lebanese territory.

Miss Lebanon, 25, reacted to the picture by responding with an explanation on Instagram, “Since the first day of my arrival to participate … I was very cautious to avoid being in any photo or communication with Miss Israel, who tried several times to take a photo with me. I was having a photo with Miss Japan, Miss Slovenia [and] suddenly Miss Israel jumped in and took a selfie and uploaded it on her social media.”

Story continues below advertisement

She then reposted the controversial picture on Instagram with Miss Israel cropped out, writing, “the truth behind the photo. Some say Miss Lebanon should be stripped of her crown, and disqualified from the pageant.

Miss Israel responded to the situation, posting a link to a news story about highly debated controversy as well as a response on Facebook and Instagram directed towards Miss Lebanon’s newly posted photo. “It doesn’t surprise me, but it still makes me sad. Too bad you cannot put the hostility out of the game, only for three weeks of an experience of a lifetime.”

This is not the first time the Miss Universe pageant has been caught up in Lebanon and Israel’s crossfire. In 2002, former Miss Lebanon Christina Sawaya forfeited her title when she dropped out of the competition because she did not want to share the stage with Miss Israel, Yamit Har-Noy, due to the hostility in the Middle East.

The Miss Universe Organization also replied to the discussion by adding, “It is unfortunate to know a photo of four smiling women from different parts of the world, working together at an event, could be misconstrued as anything other than what it is, a celebration of universal friendship, which the Miss Universe pageant is all about.”

More to Discover
Activate Search
The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School
Miss Universe photo energizes Middle East feud