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By Marni Rose McFall
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Nadeen Ayoub is set to make history this November, as the first Miss Palestine contestant in the Miss Universe pageant.
Announcing her entry, 27-year-old Ayoub, who was was first crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, said: "I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced."
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Why It Matters
On October 7, 2023, Hamas led an attack against Israel, which killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 people. Since Israel has launched a massive counteroffensive in Gaza, and more than 62,000 people have been killed, according to The Associated Press, which cited Gaza's Health Ministry, with a further 156.230 people wounded.
Part of Ayoub's mission is to challenge perceptions of Palestinians and empower women and children. Her message of hope comes amid heightened concerns about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and fears of the potential starvation of civilians.
She will join competitors from over 130 other countries and territories, including Israel, which is represented by Melanie Shiraz.
What To Know
Ayoub was raised in Palestine, the U.S, and Canada. Beyond competing in beauty pageants, she is a humanitarian and fitness coach. She holds a degree in Literature and Psychology and is a wellness and nutrition coach.
She made her journey into pageantry after her university graduation, and she previously worked with women as a fitness and mental health mentor in the West Bank.
Press materials shared with Newsweek by Ayoub's team in response to a request for comment detail that, "Nadeen's decision to join Miss Universe stems from a powerful mission: to humanize Palestinians and challenge global stereotypes, showing the world that Palestinian women are not only resilient and beautiful but are also leaders, innovators, and changemakers."
These press materials also detail Ayoub's advocacy, which is focused on championing sustainability, promoting health and wellness, and empowering women and children. Ayoub is the founder of the Olive Green Academy, a sustainable content creation and AI-focused agency.
Ayoub recently told the outlet, The National that she was supposed to go to Miss Universe after competing in Miss Earth in 2022, but decided to postpone due to the conflict. "I wanted to focus more on staying behind the scenes because the spotlight was supposed to be on the people in Palestine who are suffering, rather than me," Ayoub said.
Carrying the flag for Palestinians at the Miss Universe contest comes as many countries have moved to recognize Palestine as a state, something which is supported by the majority of Americans.
What People Are Saying
Ayoub, in a post shared to her Instagram said: "I am honored to announce that for the first time ever, Palestine will be represented at Miss Universe. Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title—but with a truth. As Palestine endures heartbreak—especially in Gaza—I carry the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced. I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see. We are more than our suffering—we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us."
What's Next
The Miss Universe pageant will take place on November 21, 2025. After this, Ayoub intends to pass on the Miss Palestine crown.
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