G.A. Viray
Everybody knows that what we post on social media can create an impact. Sometimes its good, and sometimes, pretty ugly. For what seemed just like a friendly pose among the Miss Universe 2014 contestants is now a social media spat between Miss Lebanon and Miss Israel. Who would have thought a selfie could start an international outrage?
Just last January 11, Miss Israel, Doron Matalon, posted a selfie of herself together with Miss Lebanon, Miss Slovenia and Miss Japan on Instagram.
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After the selfie was posted on social media, Miss Lebanon, Saly Greige got criticized by television station Al Jadeed, according to NBC News. Miss Lebanon was reminded to “read books” as Lebanon and Israel are two nations that are in conflict.
In response to the Lebanese media, Saly Greige, then cropped the original photo with Miss Israel apologizing about the incident.
http://instagram.com/p/x9a8TuSjyS/?modal=true
Saly said in her post that she did not intend to have a selfie with Miss Israel, and that the latter has been trying to have a photo with her.
To all my supporters and Lebanese citizens, I would like to thank you indeed for your continuous support of Miss Lebanon at the Miss Universe contest…
The truth behind the photo, since the first day of my arrival to participate to Miss universe,I was very cautious to avoid being in any photo or communication with Miss isreal, who tried several times to take a photo with me.
In response to Miss Lebanon’s post, Doron Matalon also posted on Instagram saying she was sad that Saly could not put behind the hostility between them during the pageant season.
http://instagram.com/p/x_u2Eaj5Uz/?modal=true
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.
But, what’s the big deal about the selfie? Lebanon, according to Fox News, actually has a law that forbids its citizens to have association with Israelis. In 1993, the Miss Universe representative from Lebanon got disqualified by its government after a photo showing her with Miss Israel was published by a French news agency.
So, was the selfie of Miss Israel and Miss Lebanon really a big deal? Well, Miss Universe, like any other pageant should promote peace. Although, on the other hand, Miss Lebanon can also get axed for it. But was it appropriate that Miss Israel posted their selfie? Was Miss Lebanon’s post uncalled for? Leave your comment below.
They both should be disqualified from the pageant……wha happening t tem is the opposite of the true meaning of the said pageant….if they dont want peace then its ironic that theyre still there forhe crown…..
They both should be disqualified from the pageant……wha happening t tem is the opposite of the true meaning of the said pageant….if they dont want peace then its ironic that theyre still there forhe crown…..iii
Israel is the number one terrorist in the world, they are always trying killing all the innocent people s in palestine and lebanon… israel go to hell…
I don’t care what your government says. In America we stand up for what is right. Miss Lebanon’s actions were cowardly and shameful. American foreign policy should recognize and condemn the hateful actions of Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and all of the other mid-eastern countries that maintain such shameful practices. Come on, people, call it what it is: SHAMEFUL.