Two Jewish beauty queens, Miriam Mattova and Melanie Shiraz, have emerged as voices of resilience against antisemitism as they prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, which begins on December 10, 2023. Both women have recently faced severe backlash, including death threats, after incidents that highlighted rising antisemitism.
Miriam Mattova, a former Miss Slovakia, shared her harrowing experience in Toronto last month when she was allegedly ejected from an Uber for being Jewish. According to Mattova, the driver, who was wearing a hijab, overheard her discussing a recent trip to Israel during a late-night ride. The driver reportedly stopped the vehicle abruptly, informing Mattova, “I don’t drive Jewish people.”
Following this incident, Mattova took to social media to reaffirm her Jewish identity and to speak out against hate. Unfortunately, this led to a wave of antisemitic messages targeting her, including threats and derogatory comments. “The death threats have gotten so bad that I went to the police station,” she stated. “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen.”
Mattova, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, emphasized her determination to stand firm in her beliefs despite the intimidation. She draws inspiration from the story of Hanukkah, which symbolizes resilience and strength in the face of adversity. “Hanukkah is the holiday of light — shining through the darkness — and we can’t hide now. Hate thrives on our silence and intimidation,” she said.
Miss Israel Faces Controversy and Death Threats
Similarly, Melanie Shiraz, who recently represented Israel at the Miss Universe pageant, has also confronted significant backlash. During the event, she faced accusations of disrespect towards her Palestinian counterpart, resulting in death threats. “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” Shiraz remarked.
Shiraz, 27, noted the need for increased security while participating in the pageant held in Thailand. Despite the threats, she remains resolute in her commitment to her heritage. “Hanukkah teaches us that even when the world feels heavy, we show up — proudly, bravely, and together,” she stated.
Both women are using their platforms to advocate for peace and solidarity among Jewish communities worldwide. Their messages resonate particularly during a time of heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which has intensified discussions around antisemitism globally.
As Hanukkah approaches, Mattova and Shiraz call for unity and strength, emphasizing that the festival represents not just a celebration of light but also a reminder of the Jewish people’s enduring spirit. Their stories exemplify how individuals can confront hate and inspire hope, especially during significant cultural celebrations.
The actions and experiences of these beauty queens serve as a rallying point for many, reinforcing the need for resilience and pride in one’s identity amidst growing challenges.
