Arab Beauty: Huda Naccache, the woman who participated in a beauty contest

The young Huda Naccache, born in Haifa (northern Israel) and from a Christian family, has become the first Arab-Israeli woman to pose in a bikini for a magazine in this country, which has caused a great stir among the population.

Although she is one of the pioneers in the entire region, she has only one Arab predecessor who posed in a two-piece swimsuit for the cover of a Lebanese publication.

“My parents did not oppose my appearing in a bikini; they represent the new generation that wants their daughters to have their own experiences,” explained Huda Naccache.

We tell you a bit about the life of Huda Naccache

She was chosen as a model of a new era for Arab women, almost a revolution in a population that still has to overcome numerous obstacles in a traditionally conservative society, which also survives as a minority within the Jewish state.

“I wanted to show that Arab women can be liberated people who can do whatever they want. I wanted to address the taboo surrounding the issue of the bikini for both Israelis and Arabs.”

So far, she has only had the opportunity to work with Arab modeling agencies. The publication itself promoted her candidacy as the Israeli representative in the international beauty pageant Miss Earth, similar to Miss Universe, but where ecological awareness is also important, and which will be held in early December in Thailand.

Now then, why has Huda Naccache caused such a stir?

“She represents a new generation of independent Arab girls who are allowed to think and work,” comments Yara Mashour, editor-in-chief of Lailac magazine. “I wanted to provoke something new and Huda is a trailblazer because, it may sound silly to say it, but women (Arab women) here have a problem; many girls who call themselves models only pose for bridal gown covers or hair salon headpieces and refuse to appear in bikinis for fear of their families’ or boyfriends’ reactions.”

Her magazine, which has been published for more than a decade and has a circulation of 90,000 readers, has already made history by featuring two covers in September illustrated with Naccache’s silhouette, one of which is the bikini cover. Regarding the stir it has caused this month, Mashour believes the issue is “deeper than a simple bikini: it is about the liberation of Arab women. I want things to change, because many wear it on the beaches and appear in it on Facebook, but when it comes to posing for a magazine, they have reservations.”

Despite the initial prejudice, the photo has been a complete success and the publication has received calls from young women who, after Naccache, have decided to take the plunge and pose lightly dressed. “I think that thanks to her, the way women think and behave toward men will change,” predicts the editor. The young model, who grew up in Nazareth, lived in Italy, and currently studies Archaeology and Geography in Haifa, has her head firmly on her shoulders and knows that she is not alone in her attempt to break barriers.

Is she really the first woman in this country to pose in a bikini?

She has had predecessors such as Rana Raslan, the first Arab woman crowned beauty queen in Israel twelve years ago, or Niral Karantinji, the first Arab model to win a reality TV competition five years ago.

“I love my job, although it is extremely hard.”

Huda Naccache is aware that she faces “numerous challenges, both in Israeli society,” since people in this country do not accept her as a professional because of her origin (Arab-Palestinian). In addition, Arab society considers her a woman who is too liberal.

However, Naccache trusts that she will break down all barriers with her spectacular pose and her strong self-confidence. “I hope that after both societies see me on the magazine cover, they can understand that I am a free woman and a professional, and that Israeli agencies will then see me in a different light,” she concluded.