Musical Pursuits
Idan’s passion for music was ignited during her time as a refugee in Syria. Attending a live concert by Enrique Iglesias in Damascus in 2007 was a turning point. This encounter inspired her to become a musician, leading to a friendship with pianist Michael Bluestein. Her vocal performance artist degree laid the foundation for her musical career, and she showcased her talents in various languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Beauty Pageants and Controversies
In the realm of beauty pageants, Idan’s journey took a contentious turn. Crowned as Miss Iraq in America in 2016 and later as Miss Universe Iraq 2017, she represented Iraq at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant in Las Vegas. However, her interactions with Miss Israel, Adar Gandelsman, sparked outrage. Taking selfies and participating in a swimsuit competition led to death threats and condemnation from conservative factions in Iraq.
The ensuing controversies forced Idan and her family to flee Iraq, finding a new home in the United States in December 2017. Despite facing adversity, she emerged as a strong advocate for peace and freedom of speech. In June 2019, Idan became an Ambassador for Peace by UN Watch, using her platform to address issues such as anti-Semitism and biased media.
Her fearless stance continued as she attended the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords at the White House in September 2020, further solidifying her role as a bridge-builder between nations.
Sarah Idan’s life story is a testament to resilience, cultural diversity, and the unwavering pursuit of truth, making her a unique figure in the spheres of politics, advocacy, and the arts.