Bella Hadid, an American-Palestinian model, is one of the public figures who has spoken out the most about Israel’s continued atrocities in Palestine. Hadid has demonstrated her support for the Palestinian people at numerous pro-Palestine demonstrations and has been outspoken about the cause on Instagram over the past few years, as the Palestinian cause has acquired more traction on social media.
Unfortunately, the 25-year old’s activism had negative effects on her career. A full-page advertisement in The New York Times last year called out Hadid, her sister Gigi, and artist Dua Lipa for their support of Palestine. Hadid also admitted that she had lost modeling prospects as a result of her beliefs in an episode of the Rep podcast, which is presented by journalist Noor Tagouri.
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Bella is one of the few celebrities who has raised her voice against Israeli atrocities
However, in a recent interview with GQ magazine, Hadid admitted that she is willing to accept professional losses as long as it means she can continue her support for Palestine. Reflecting on her early years growing up in Santa Barbara away from a Muslim community, Hadid expressed feeling separated from her Palestinian roots and that she was “never able to see myself in anything” anymore. Often the only Arab girl in her class, Hadid recalled facing racism, and name-calling as a teenager.
“For so long, I was missing that part of me, and it made me really, really sad and lonely.” One of her bigger regrets? Not being raised around Muslims, especially after the separation of her parents. “I would have loved to grow up and be with my dad every day, studying and really being able to practice, just in general being able to live in Muslim culture. But I wasn’t given that,” the model said.
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While she has experienced companies withdrawing opportunities and friends dissociating contact, the Victoria’s Secret Angel is content with her choice. “I realized that I’m not on this earth to be a model,” she said. “I’m so lucky and blessed that I’m in a position where I can speak out the way that I do. And really, the downfall is what? That I lose my job?