Former Miss Iraq Sarah Idan, who praised Israel before the United Nations Human Rights Council last month, is now facing backlash from her home country after the Baghdad pledged to cancel her Iraqi nationality. During her speech at the UN, Idan doubled down on other Arab countries for dismissing Israel as a great potential ally. However, her home country doesn’t see this and is even calling her a criminal. Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee member Ali al-Ghanmi told Baghdad today, “What the former Miss Iraq Idan is doing, will be held accountable by law, and the competent authorities to follow up.”

2 weeks ago Iraq denied my statements at the UN that I don’t have freedom to speak about Israel now they’re taking my citizenship. This is inhumane. I’m speechless… https://t.co/dzAQGQdPmq — Sarai (Sarah Idan) Miss Iraq (@RealSarahIdan) July 9, 2019

Idan responded to the news on Twitter Tuesday, “2 weeks ago Iraq denied my statements at the UN that I don’t have freedom to speak about Israel now they’re taking my citizenship/ This is inhumane. I’m speechless…” Coming to Israel’s defense just isn’t what the cool kids are doing at the United Nations. Despite the threat of backlash, Idan bravely shared her story before the UNHRC. Here is her full speech,

“Two years ago, I represented Iraq at Miss Universe. I posted a photo with Miss Israel on social media. I was told to remove it and forced to denounce Israeli police. I received death threats. Since then I can no longer return to my homeland. Why did the Iraqi government fail to condemn the threats, or allow my freedom of speech? The issue between Arabs and Israelis goes beyond policy and disagreements. It’s deeply rooted in the belief systems taught in Muslim countries which are anti-Semitic. Sadly, hatred and intolerance are reinforced by biased media. When I watched the news last month, why did they never report that the Hamas terrorist organization fired nearly 700 rockets at Israeli civilians in one weekend or that Hamas used Palestinians in Gaza as human shields? Why do they never condemn Hamas for initiating the attacks? Instead, they only show those killed by the response, in self defense, and blame Israel. For advocating peace, I’m called a traitor. Why hasn’t a single Arab media outlet called to ask my views. Instead, they publish false translations of my statements. I would like to remind Arab countries that today you share more common interests with Israel than the terrorist militias. Negotiating peace for both states isn’t betraying the Arab cause but a vital step to end conflict and suffering for all.”

Iraq should stand up for Miss Iraq, Sarah Idan, not turn its back on her like this. She's a proud Iraqi who wants the best for Iraq, Israel, the USA and world. 🇮🇶 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 https://t.co/hh1eEim48j — Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) July 11, 2019

New York Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin voiced his support for the former Miss Iraq on Twitter Thursday, “Iraq should stand up for Miss Iraq, Sarah Idan, not turn its back on her like this. She’s a proud Iraqi who wants the best for Iraq, Israel, the USA and world.”