Jerusalem / Bangkok: For the first time in the history of the Miss Universe pageant, Pale-stine will have a representative — and her name is Nadeen Ayoub, a fitness coach, model, and activist who says she’s stepping onto the global stage “not just with beauty, but with purpose.”
The 28-year-old was crowned Miss Palestine 2022, and has now officially been selected to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 competition to be held later this year in Bangkok, Thailand.
A voice beyond the runway
In a statement shared on Instagram, Ayoub wrote:
“This is not just about representing a country. It’s about representing a story — the story of a people who continue to rise, love, and dream despite everything.”
Her message has quickly gone viral, resonating with Palestinians and supporters across the world who see her participation as a powerful symbol of visibility, resilience, and national pride amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Speaking to Newsweek, Ayoub said she intends to use her platform “to highlight the strength, talent, and humanity of Palestinian women.” She added that while she hopes to make her country proud, her bigger goal is to “show the world a side of Palestine that is rarely seen — one of beauty, creativity, and hope.”
Historic debut
This marks the first time in history that Palestine has officially been represented in the Miss Universe competition, which has been running since 1952. The inclusion of a Palestinian contestant comes at a moment of global attention on the region due to the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Reactions pouring in
Supporters have hailed Ayoub’s entry as a milestone in representation. Social media has been flooded with messages calling her “a voice for the voiceless” and “a symbol of hope.” However, some critics have questioned whether the pageant is the right platform for political messaging.
Ayoub, for her part, seems unfazed. “If standing tall as a Palestinian woman is political,” she said in a recent post, “then I’m proud to be political.”
A symbol of hope
As she prepares for the Miss Universe stage, Ayoub says her journey is about much more than a title. “I’m carrying with me the dreams of millions,” she wrote. “This moment belongs to every Palestinian who still believes in tomorrow.”
