By Riffat Kausar
SNN News Finland
Supermodel and Palestinian activist Bella Hadid has spoken candidly about one of her deepest personal regrets that she was not raised in a Muslim environment or given the opportunity to grow up learning about Islam and the Quran.
The 28-year-old model made the revelation in an interview with GQ Magazine, in which she reflected on her childhood, her Palestinian roots, and her complicated relationship with her faith and cultural identity.
A Childhood Torn Between Two Worlds
Bella Hadid was born to Mohamed Hadid, a Palestinian real estate developer, and Yolanda Hadid, a Dutch-American television personality.
When her parents divorced in 2000, Bella moved with her mother to California, separating her from her father and from the Muslim and Palestinian side of her family.
Growing up in Santa Barbara, she was often the only Arab girl in her class. She has spoken previously about facing racism and name-calling as a teenager, which deepened her sense of isolation from her own identity.
“I Wasn’t Given That Opportunity”
Reflecting on her faith and upbringing, Hadid expressed genuine sadness over the cultural and religious disconnect she experienced throughout her childhood.
She described her desire to have grown up alongside her father, studying Islam and living within a Muslim community. She acknowledged that this opportunity was simply never available to her due to the circumstances of her parents’ separation.
A Turning Point on Set
A significant moment of reconnection came when Hadid joined the cast of the American comedy-drama series Ramy, created by Egyptian-American comedian Ramy Youssef.
On her first day on set, the crew surprised her with a “Free Palestine” T-shirt a gesture that moved her to tears.
Her friendship with Youssef opened a new chapter in her relationship with Islam.
She described praying with him during Ramadan as one of the most meaningful moments of her adult life, saying it was the first time she had truly felt seen and understood.
Palestine and Faith: Inseparable for Hadid
Bella Hadid has been one of the most outspoken celebrities on the issue of Palestinian rights, consistently using her platform to advocate for the people of Gaza and the West Bank even when it has cost her professionally.
She has stated that she is willing to accept professional consequences for speaking out. She considers her advocacy not just a political position but a deeply personal and faith-driven responsibility.
Her sister, fellow model Bella Hadid, has also been vocal in support of the Palestinian cause.
Background and Context
Bella Hadid’s statements reflect a broader experience shared by millions of Muslims raised in Western countries who feel disconnected from their religious and cultural heritage.
Her openness about this struggle has resonated widely with Muslim communities across Europe, North America, and beyond.
The interview with GQ Magazine, in which these remarks originally appeared, drew significant attention globally upon its publication and continues to be widely referenced in discussions about identity, faith, and cultural belonging among diaspora communities.
women’s rights and gender equality
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