Miri Regev, Israeli Culture Minister triggered a social media storm after she attended the Cannes film festival in an evening dress featuring a Jerusalem Islamic shrine.
The site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is sacred to both Muslims and Jews. It is the holiest site in Judaism and the third-holiest in Islam, after Mecca and Medina.Thus, it is a regular scene of friction between both Israelis and Palestinians and its status is sensitive and complex.
Minister Regev commenting on the dress, called Jerusalem Israel's "eternal capital" and further stated that "This year we are celebrating 50 years since the liberation and reunification of Jerusalem and I am proud to celebrate this historic date through art and fashion."
Mahmoud Khalifa, Palestinian Deputy Information Minister stated that the dress aimed to "whitewash the dark racism of the occupation". Some critics called the Minister, who is of Moroccan and Spanish origin,"Trump in high heels".
Several tweets altered what one called the “provocative” garment which shows a panorama of the walled Old City in Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock, located in the flashpoint of Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
The 51 year old Minister, who is a former military censor and mother of three children was praised by her fans regarding her bold wardrobe choice.
It was reported Swedish-based Israeli costume designer Aviad Arik Herman designed the dress on commission.
Clash between politics and fashion on the red carpet of Cannes is always expected.