Israeli Travel Blogger Meets Iranian Models in Bali

Israeli travel blogger Itzik Blas encountered Iranian models during a recent photography project in Bali, Indonesia. Blas was in Bali to shoot content for luxury hotels and resorts, a project that involved 20 high-end establishments over approximately 45 days. He secured entry into Indonesia, a country without diplomatic ties with Israel, using a special visa for international influencers.

During a photoshoot, Blas and his team were looking for models and found several of Iranian descent. It was only when they began conversing that Blas learned they were from Iran and they discovered he was Israeli. According to Blas, the models reacted with a warm embrace and a wide smile, showing no hesitation or awkwardness.

Blas recounted that the models primarily heard about Israel through news reports and were eager to learn about life in the country from a firsthand source. They discussed potential future trips together and shared personal stories. The models reportedly expressed solidarity with the Israeli people, praying for no civilian casualties during attacks by the Iranian regime and stating they stood with Israelis.

Blas also shared that he informed them there was no hatred towards the Iranian people in Israel. The models spoke about their lives under the Iranian regime and their hopes for change and freedom. They also inquired about his safety traveling as an Israeli, to which he responded that he proudly identifies as Israeli worldwide and is generally met with warmth.

Furthermore, Blas noted the models' keen interest in Israel's elections, closely following updates and results from international news sources. He stated they showed no apprehension about being photographed with an Israeli or about publishing the images, conducting themselves professionally throughout the shoots.