The Palestinian Authority has mysteriously canceled the first ever Palestinian Beauty Contest just 5 days ahead of the planned competition -- the official reason being given is that it conflicts with Palestinian commemorations of the "Cast Lead" operation, though word on the street is that the swim suit competition was the real reason behind the cancellation.The contest, slated for December 26 will not be held.
The PA expressed concern that the suit suit competition would be immodest, leading to pressure on the organizers, while the organizers claim there wasn't even supposed to be a swim suit competition, and the PA is simply upset they didn't get a financial "piece of the action."
The Palestinian "street" also attacked the contest, with PA media outlets depicting the event as a scandalous outrage. On some Palestinian websites, photos of Palestinian suicide bombers were replaced by the contestants.
The contest, slated for December 26, has been officially canceled.
Contestants were supposed to have arrived from Gaza, the West Bank, and Israeli Arab women -- and this was to be a preliminary contest for entry into the "Miss Universe" contest.
Kudos to Ali Waked from Ynet for the scoop.
Talkbacks claim the real reason for the cancellation is a lack of contestants.
Update from MaanNews:
Bethlehem – Ma’an – After a wave of criticism, the finale of the first-ever Miss Palestine pageant has been postponed indefinitely by the Palestinian Authority.
The Ramallah Governorate announced on Sunday, “According to the requirements of the public interest, we decided to freeze and delay indefinitely of the coronation of Miss Palestine 2009 that was scheduled to be held on 26/12/2009 in Ramallah.”
The statement said the decision was made out of respect for the anniversary of the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza, which will be marked on 27 December.
But, the statement added, “We encourage such ideas that promote beauty that is committed to age-old Palestinian traditions and values.”
The Miss Palestine pageant generated controversy when it was announced by the Trip Fashion Company earlier in December. Islamist politicians denounced the competition as not in keeping with traditional values.
The project originally had support from the Palestinian Authority. Officials from the ministries of Information and Culture were to help judge the contest, its organizers said.
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