From PBS NewsHour.
Nadeen Ayoub will make history representing Palestine at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
"We need to make sure that the world knows that we’re humans just like everyone else. And I want to be that voice for that,” Ayoub said. "I want make everyone proud. I want really represent Palestinian women and Arab women and to show that we’re not just our struggle and pain that we see on the news. We are our dreams, our hopes, our aspirations, we’re everything," Ayoub said.
The 27-year-old, who grew up in Palestine, the U.S. and Canada, said representing Palestine on one of the largest stages in the world is a moment that’s been years in the making.
"It took decades to have a Miss Palestine organization and to have a Miss Palestine representative. So even when it comes to competitions, we’re struggling as Palestinians," she said.
"This move represents this message that we want to live. We want to dream. We want to continue resisting through our voices, through our love of life, through our of having dreams and reaching our goal," she added.
"I feel like it’s bigger than me. It’s not just about me. It’s not about, it’s not even just about beauty, right? It”s about a message, a vision, a mission to show the world what we Palestinians stand for," she added.
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