We’ve previously talked about Palestinian brands that we can support and Palestinian clothing brands, but today, we’re looking at Palestinian models who are working in many different countries and industries.
Beauty transcends borders, and Palestinians are a testament to this universal truth. Their striking features often encompass fair to olive skin, dark hair, and eyes, a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern characteristics.
The high cheekbones, full lips, strong eyebrows, and small yet prominent noses reflect rich regional diversity.
It’s no wonder that some of the most acclaimed models in the fashion industry hail from Palestine. In this compilation, we present a list of famous Palestinian models who have conquered international runways and gained global recognition.
We also shed light on the local models from Palestine whose presence has yet to achieve the same international fame!
Most Beautiful Palestinian Models
In the following section, we’ve divided male Palestinian models and female ones into different categories; some of them are born Palestinians, while others have Palestinian parents or heritage.
Female Models
1. Gigi Hadid
Instagram Followers: 79.2M
Gigi Hadid has shown a vibrant presence in the modeling industry. In 2016, she was honored with the prestigious title of International Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council, a testament to her exceptional talent and global popularity.
Her modeling career has seen her grace the covers of International Vogue an impressive 45 times, solidifying her iconic status. Gigi’s prominence as one of the most celebrated Palestinian models extends beyond the fashion world, as she has a substantial following of 79.2 million on Instagram.
Furthermore, she has used her platform to advocate for Palestinian causes, reinforcing her role as a prominent voice for her homeland.
2. Bella Hadid
Instagram Followers: 60.8M
Bella Hadid, a prominent Palestinian-American model and one of the top Palestinian celebrities, has solidified her status as one of the top Palestinian models in the world. Born in 1996, Bella boasts an impressive record of 29 international Vogue covers, showcasing her undeniable talent and captivating beauty.
In 2022, she was honored with the prestigious Model of the Year title by the British Fashion Council. Bella’s Palestinian heritage is a significant part of her identity, and she has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian causes, using her global platform to raise awareness and support for her homeland.
3. Simi Khadra
Instagram Followers: 2M
Simi Khadra, originally named Sama Khadra, a celebrated Palestinian model, has a remarkable journey in the fashion industry. Born into a Palestinian family in Saudi Arabia, Simi has made her a prominent place in the U.S. Her path to success started when she was just 14 years old, catching the eye of the fashion world with their unique street style. She pursued her degree in film production and fine art.
Furthermore, Simi Khadra has actively supported Palestine on multiple occasions, using her platform to raise awareness and support for Palestine. Her dedication to the Palestinian cause reflects her deep connection to her roots.
4. Haze Khadra
Instagram Followers: 2M
Just like her twin sister, Simi, Haya also has deep roots in the fashion industry. Part of the inspiration comes from their mother’s fashion boutique in Riyadh. Moreover, just like her sister, Haze has also pursued a degree in film production and fine art.
Both the sisters share the same Instagram account with 2M followers and are friends with famous people like the Hadid sisters and Kardashians.
5. Noor Taher
Instagram Followers: 798K
Nour Taher, of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, is a Jordanian actress and model. Her early career began at the age of four, and she gained recognition for her role in the 2021 Netflix series “Al Rawabi School for Girls.”
6. Sharon Rose Benson
Sharon Rose Benson is not just a model; she’s a passionate advocate for Palestinian heritage. With a background that blends Palestinian and Irish-Swedish roots, she proudly celebrates her Palestinian identity. Her journey in the fashion industry is a testament to her commitment to showcasing Palestinian culture and artistry.
In her modeling career, Benson collaborates with emerging Palestinian designers, wearing their creations with pride. This not only highlights the artistic talent within her community but also promotes traditional Palestinian garments and designs. By doing so, she is actively contributing to the preservation and revitalization of Palestinian heritage. Moreover, the Palestinian model was featured in Vogue; this alone shows her victory!
Male Models
Following are some male models from Palestine:
7. Anwar Hadid
Instagram Followers: 7.1M
The famous actor, producer, and famous Palestinian model Anwar Hadid is the younger sibling of supermodels Gigi and Bella. However, he doesn’t need his sister’s name to be recognized because he has already made his own name in the media industry.
Being born to Dutch-Palestinian parents and being raised in America, Anwar hasn’t forgotten his ties to Palestine. Amidst the difficult time for Palestine, he’s raising his voice for them on social media platforms like Instagram, which has 7.1M followers. Moreover, he’s also supporting Urgent Relief for Gaza’s Children.
8. Fai Khadra
Instagram Followers: 2.4M
Fai Khadra, a Palestinian model with deep Arab roots, gained fame through his associations with high-profile figures. Born in Los Angeles and raised between Dubai, Riyadh, and LA, he started his modeling career as a young adult.
Fai is renowned as the older brother of Sama and Haya, aka Simi and Haze Khadra. He hails from an artistic family, and his social circle includes A-list celebrities, cementing his status in the world of modeling.
9. Qaher Harhash
Instagram Followers: 24.5K
The IMG Palestinian Model, Qaher Harshah, is the first local male model from Palestine, which has led him to become one of the most famous Palestinian celebrities quickly.
The model is vocal about the underrepresentation of Palestinian models in the fashion industry. He aspires to create a world where Middle Easterns find representation in the fashion industry.
He defied industry stereotypes to pursue his modeling dream. Despite early rejections, his determination led him to Germany, where he secured a modeling career with Iconic Management and continues being a great model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are Some Famous Palestinian Activists?
Several famous Palestinian activists have made significant contributions to advocating for justice and human rights. Notable figures include Azza Qasem, a champion of women’s rights and social justice, and filmmaker Farah Nabulsi, who brings Palestinian issues to the global stage.
Maha Hussaini’s journalistic work sheds light on the Palestinian struggle, while Lina Abu Akleh focuses on legal advocacy. Political figure Hanan Ashrawi, legal scholar Noura Erakat, and human rights defender Shawan Jabarin are pivotal in promoting Palestinian rights. The young journalist Janna Jihad provides a unique child’s perspective on life under occupation, collectively amplifying the Palestinian cause.
Which Hollywood stars support Palestine?
Pro-Palestinian Celebrities from Hollywood, including Mark Ruffalo, Kristen Stewart, Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, and Rosario Dawson, have shown their support for Palestine.
These high-profile individuals use their platforms to advocate for Palestinian rights and raise awareness about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their vocal stance on issues related to justice, human rights, and peace in the region reflects a broader trend of celebrities using their influence to shed light on the Palestinian cause.
Who Are Some Famous Palestinian Celebrities?
Several famous Palestinian celebrities have made significant contributions to the world of film and entertainment. Renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass has starred in international films like “The Lemon Tree,” while emerging talent Leem Lubany gained recognition for her role in “Rock the Kasbah.”
Nisreen Faour is celebrated for her performance in “Amreeka,” while director Annemarie Jacir is known for her work in “Wajib” and “Salt of This Sea.” Saleh Bakri, Ali Suliman, and Adam Bakri are also notable figures in Palestinian cinema.
