Bella Hadid has won praise across Britain after marching against Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The fashion model unexpectedly joined the ‘Day of Rage’ protest against the decision after attending a party in Oxford Street.
Hadid’s car became stuck in traffic caused by the march, but instead of sitting pretty, the model with Palestinian heritage got out to join in, the Metro reports. Fans flocked to her side as Hadid protested in her party clothes – a red dress and a white coat.
The protest action was triggered by Trump’s highly controversial decision, which experts say could signal war in the Middle East and derail the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Israelis in Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims, occupy illegal settlements. Being the first Western leader to legitimize these settlements, Trump could cause tensions to boil over, jeopardizing attempts to find a solution to the long-running conflict.
During the protest near Hyde Park Friday evening, Bella was surrounded by placards which read: “Free Palestine,” “Dump Trump” and “End Israeli Occupation.”
Hadid also penned a lengthy post on Instagram.
She wrote, “I’ve been waiting to put this into perfect words but I realised there is no perfect way to speak of something so unjust. A very, very sad day. Watching the news and seeing the pain of the Palestinian people makes me cry for the many many generations of Palestine.”
“Seeing the sadness of my father, cousins, and Palestinian family that are feeling for our Palestinian ancestors makes this even harder to write. Jerusalem is home of all religions. For this to happen, I feel, makes us take five steps back making it harder to live in a world of peace,” she said further.
“The treatment of the Palestinian people is unfair, one-sided and should not be tolerated. I stand with Palestine. There is no hate against anyone... There are no sides... All religions living side by side.. Now it is just one man..it has always been a factor of trying to bring peace... Where is the hope..?”
The model remained outside for a few minutes, posing for pictures with fans before returning to her car. And social media has erupted in admiration.
One fan said: “There you go @bellahadid now you truly deserve admiration. This walk is more powerful than any catwalk you've ever been on.”
Another added, “@bellahadid using her platform to stand on the right side of history. Respect.”