Last year's beauty pageant (Archive photo)
Photo: Channel 2
Life of Druze beauty contestant threatened
Police foil plans to commit honor killing against Israel's first Druze beauty pageant contestant. Community's leader to try to dissuade girl from competing one last time
An apparent honor killing attempt on the life of Israel's first Druze beauty queen contestant was foiled this week by the Carmiel police.
Shocking Murder
Hagai Einav
Shocking murder in North: Parents detained by police after 25-year-old Druze woman stabbed to death Wednesday evening; father initially confesses to murder, then blames mother. Police believe woman killed over suspicions of dishonoring family's image
Two men were arrested for conspiring to murder 18-year-old Angelina Fares from the northern village of Sajur, in order to prevent her participation in the pageant that "would defile the honor of the Druze community."
On Sunday, 30-year-old Jalal Hammoud, a resident of Sajur, was arrested for stealing the weapon of a soldier from the village and giving it to his cousin Zayed Hammoud, who was arrested two days later for conspiracy to commit a crime and planning murder.
The police are looking into who was responsible for recruiting the two to commit the murder.
For fear of disruption of the investigation's proceedings, and since the suspect Zayed Hammoud was considered "dangerous," Akko magistrate court's judge William Hamed decided to extend his arrest by five days.
Hammoud's attorney denied the allegations and said the suspect had no motive to commit such a crime.
The Carmiel police commander refused to say whether the police were taking measures to ensure Angelina's protection.
Mixed feelings
As the first Druze to participate in the Miss Israel beauty pageant, to take place on April 13, Angelina has raised mixed feelings among her community.
Sheikh Muwaffak Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, said a few days ago that he would make one last attempt to dissuade the girl from taking part in the contest, by having a heart-to-heart talk with her and her family.
"With all due respect to progress, there is a limit. It is unacceptable for a young girl to take part in a beauty pageant and appear in a bathing suit. This is against our tradition and religion," said Tarif.
On the other hand, support of Angelina could also be found among the community.
Former MK Asaad Asaad, who is currently the chairman of the Druze movement for peace and understanding, said, "We live in a democratic country. We should let people evolve; we shouldn’t be sticking our nose in their business. I wish this was the community's only problem. There are drugs, there is violence, there are runaway teens, and unfortunately, there is even prostitution."
Head of Sajur Local Council Naif Ibrahim said, "There are many beautiful Druze girls, and if she makes it, good for her. I support the merging of Druze in all aspects of life, including beauty contests."
Angelina's former high school principal Nizam Dahar said, "We are a traditional society, but it's every individual's right to act as they please. If her parents agree, congratulations."
