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First bikini model on Arab magazine front cover

Breaking taboos is Yara Mashour’s mission. As the editor in chief of Lilac, an Arab magazine operating in Israel, she aims to confront customs and traditions…and her recent achievement might very well be her greatest triumph thus far.

This month’s issue of Lilac features, for the very first time, an Arab magazine showcasing a model in a bikini on its cover. Contributing to the excitement, that incredible, strong, and empowering figure is an Arab Israeli.

The model, a vibrant 22-year-old named Huda Naccache from Haifa, is seen wearing a black sequinned bikini, her unwavering gaze reflecting the magazine’s commitment to instigate change.

In a region commonly associated with gender inequality, violations of women’s rights, and spousal dominance, Lilac is boldly venturing into territories no other publisher in the Middle East has dared to explore.

Yara noted: ‘When I founded Lilac in Nazareth, Israel, a decade ago, my goal was to dismantle taboos surrounding women in society…I dedicated myself to empowering and liberating women.’

She added: ‘Huda has made history as the first Arab model to be featured on the cover of an Arabic magazine in a bikini. Lilac is the inaugural Arabic magazine to present such an image on its cover!

‘I cannot recall any similar instance occurring in the Arab world,’ she remarked. ‘For ten years, I’ve been striving to transform society so that Arab women can enjoy greater rights and freedoms in the Middle East.’

Huda is proud to play a role in the gradual – albeit often obstructed – progression towards change in the region.

‘Being the first to wear a bikini on the cover of Lilac fills me with pride,’ she expressed. ‘As a professional model, this should be a common occurrence.’

However, while the magazine reflects cultural transformations, Yara acknowledges, ‘the authorities might impose censorship and deny distribution. Certain Arab nations like Lebanon should not outlaw it, as they are quite liberal. The only hindrance is the political environment…’

Huda’s stance wasn’t always so resolute. ‘Initially, I hesitated to appear in a bikini on the cover, due to concerns about societal norms,’ she clarified.

‘Ultimately, I recognized that achieving success meant not shying away from my desires, and after discussions with my parents, they came around to my perspective. I would never pursue anything without their approval. I view myself as bold and self-confident. I am not afraid to be the one to take the first step, paving the way for other Arab models, and representing the liberated and independent young Arab woman.

Both Huda and Yara understand that the striking cover is likely to attract criticism – and perhaps more severe repercussions – in a region known for its stringent media censorship.

Even within the mostly Westernized UAE, home to Dubai, Islamic customs prohibit newspapers from publishing bikini images or displaying bare shoulders, knees, backs, and décolletage.

Yara, however, perceives the ‘Huda revolution’ as encompassing two key principles: ‘Firstly, it provides an Israeli Arab model that can represent both the Jewish and Arab women of our nation. Secondly, it introduces a new idea of Arab women embracing their physical beauty publicly and breaking social norms.’ I am certainly not concerned about the responses, as I determine the standards of my publication, and Arab women are loyal readers. They seek what I offer in the magazine. While I anticipate the cover will spark conversations, I do not foresee an upheaval.’

Currently, Huda, who aspires to achieve recognition in the U.S. or Europe, is prioritizing her career and ‘experiencing life’ before marriage, a path she believes many Arab girls fall into prematurely. ‘We must resist that and be unafraid.’

In another notable achievement, she has recently been selected to represent Israel at the Miss Earth beauty pageant in Thailand this December.

The model acknowledges she may not possess the ‘doll-like’ features of her world-renowned fellow countrywoman, Bar Refaeli, but her well-defined features and gazelle-like physique have certainly captivated readers.

Indeed, the newest issue has been available for over a week, and the feedback has been ‘fantastic’ according to Yara, who returned to her homeland after finishing her studies at London’s LSE in 1998.

Lilac, which maintains a secular perspective, has established itself as the leading Arab magazine in Israel, with a readership spanning the region. Published in Arabic, it includes some English sections ‘to cater to the new, younger generation that prefers English reading.’ The magazine appeals to Arabs in Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank, and is also available in nearby Jordan.

According to Yara: ‘The issues are selling faster than usual, and people are pleasantly surprised that Huda represents an Arab model, expressing sentiments like “do we actually have a model like this in our community?”

‘Many other models regard her with admiration, and several have approached me about appearing on the cover in a swimsuit. I was taken aback…our society is evolving, especially among the youth – moving towards a more liberal direction. Unlike a decade ago, Arab girls can now travel worldwide before attending college, work, and support themselves.’

Indeed, Huda mentions that despite ‘hearing various comments’, her confidence, bolstered by social media, ‘transcends all critiques.’

‘I’ve received numerous Facebook friend requests from those who appreciated the cover,’ she remarked. ‘It was about time someone took this step.’

Yara concurs: ‘If there’s a red line that remains uncrossed, I will transcend it if I believe it’s the right choice.’

With that, the tenacious editor embarks on a mission ‘to liberate, empower, and educate’ even more Arabic women.

by Milo Johnson

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