A nude photo posted online by an Egyptian activist to protest the lack of freedom of expression ignited a wave of outrage in Egypt.
In response, a group of women in Israel also decided to bare it all as an act of solidarity.
Taking inspiration from 20-year-old Aliaa Elmahdy, 40 Israeli women posed naked for a similar photograph, using a banner for modesty.
The banner stated ‘Homage to Aliaa El Mahdi. Sisters in Israel’ along with the slogan ‘Love without Limits’, written in both Arabic and Hebrew.
On the Facebook group, Templar stated: ‘Girls, let’s give the world a compelling reason to appreciate the unique beauty of Israeli women.
‘It doesn’t matter if they are Jewish, Arab, straight, or lesbian – here and now, that is irrelevant.
‘We must demonstrate to the skeptics that our global discourse is not dependent on governments.’
Templar initiated this plan as a reaction to Elmahdy, who last week shared a photo of herself in stockings and red flats on her blog.
Meanwhile, the country is gearing up for elections following the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.
Elmahdy’s blog was visited by millions, yet thousands left negative remarks on her platform.
Tepler expressed to Israeli news outlet Ynet: ‘The inspiration came the day the blogger’s photo was shared.
‘I never anticipated the level of reaction she received.
‘The fact that she was subjected to a quarter of a million abusive comments and death threats really troubled me.
‘I believed that when a liberal, enlightened woman in Cairo is unable to express herself and faces threats from her government, it is crucial for me to show my support.
‘There’s also a nationalistic angle, and I admit to being a leftist and an advocate for peace.
‘I believe governments don’t truly represent the enlightened, ordinary individuals who yearn for peace.’
Elmahdy, who identifies as an atheist and has recently withdrawn from university, remains determined to fight for her freedom.
She told CNN: ‘Under Islam, women will invariably be treated as objects at home.
‘The level of sexism against women in Egypt is astonishing, but I am not backing down and will continue the battle until the end.
‘Numerous women wear the veil merely to avoid harassment and to navigate the streets safely.
‘I stand by every word I speak and am willing to risk my safety amidst the constant threats I face, all in pursuit of the genuine freedom that all Egyptians aspire for and sacrifice their lives for daily.’
by Sasha Dubronitz
