Two Jewish beauty queens have taken a strong stand against antisemitism and the death threats they have faced in recent weeks, sharing messages of hope as the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, begins on December 10, 2023. Miriam Mattova, former Miss Slovakia, reported a disturbing incident in Toronto last month, claiming she was ejected from an Uber for being Jewish.
Mattova recounted that during a late-night ride, the female driver, who wore a hijab, overheard her discussing a recent trip to Israel. Shortly after, the driver allegedly slammed on the brakes, threw her out of the car, and stated, “I don’t drive Jewish people.” This shocking experience prompted Mattova to assert her identity publicly, stating, “They won’t intimidate me, and I won’t go into hiding. Hanukkah is the holiday of light — shining through the darkness — and we can’t hide now.”
After sharing her experience on social media, Mattova faced a torrent of hateful messages, including explicit death threats. “Ama kill you someday,” and “Should have just slit your throat lol,” were among the messages she received. In response to the escalating threats, Mattova went to the police for protection, emphasizing, “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen.”
Growing up Jewish often left Mattova feeling self-conscious, but she found her voice following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Now, she views herself as a defender of the Jewish state, stating, “Even when it’s painful to speak up, we can’t back down from being Jewish and proud.” The significance of Hanukkah, which celebrates resilience and strength, resonates deeply with her.
Embracing Heritage Amid Adversity
Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel, has also faced adversity. At the recent Miss Universe pageant, she found herself at the center of controversy due to accusations of disrespect towards Miss Palestine. Following the incident, Shiraz received death threats but remained resolute in her commitment to her heritage. “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” she said.
Shiraz highlighted the importance of resilience and unity during these challenging times. “This Hanukkah, especially with this hostile climate, I hope we can embrace our heritage of resilience and come out stronger.” The 27-year-old required increased security while in Thailand for the event but maintained her defiant stance. “As Jews, our history is a testament to resilience. Hanukkah teaches us that even when the world feels heavy, we show up — proudly, bravely, and together.”
Both beauty queens exemplify strength and determination, particularly as they celebrate Hanukkah, a festival that symbolizes perseverance against adversity. Their messages resonate not only within the Jewish community but also serve as a powerful reminder of the need to stand against hate and promote understanding during trying times.
