Two Jewish beauty queens, Miriam Mattova and Melanie Shiraz, have recently spoken out against antisemitism and death threats they received, coinciding with the beginning of Hanukkah. The Jewish festival of lights, which starts on the evening of December 10, 2023, serves as a backdrop for their messages of hope and resilience in the face of hate.
Mattova, a former Miss Slovakia, recounted a disturbing incident in Toronto last month. She claimed that during a late-night Uber ride, she was ejected by a driver who allegedly stated, “I don’t drive Jewish people,” after overhearing Mattova discuss a recent trip to Israel. Following this experience, she faced a barrage of antisemitic messages, including threats to her safety.
“The death threats have gotten so bad that I went to the police station,” said Mattova, who holds a Ph.D. in political science. “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen.” Mattova, 33, has transformed her painful experiences into a call for action, emphasizing the importance of not remaining silent.
Standing Strong Amid Adversity
The festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and celebrates the miracle of a single jar of oil lasting eight days, inspires both beauty queens to advocate for strength and unity. “Hanukkah is the holiday of light—shining through the darkness—and we can’t hide now,” she stated.
Similarly, Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, faced her own challenges during the recent Miss Universe pageant. After a controversial moment involving Miss Palestine, Shiraz received death threats and required heightened security during the event in Thailand. “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” she said.
Shiraz, 27, emphasized the lessons of resilience inherent in Jewish history. “Hanukkah teaches us that even when the world feels heavy, we show up—proudly, bravely, and together.”
Both women represent a broader movement of Jewish individuals standing against hate. Their stories resonate particularly during a time when antisemitic incidents have surged globally, as reported by various human rights organizations.
As Hanukkah begins, these beauty queens are not just celebrating their heritage; they are actively advocating for a more inclusive and peaceful society. Their voices contribute to a necessary dialogue about tolerance and acceptance in the face of rising hate.
“Even when it’s painful to speak up, we can’t back down from being Jewish and proud,” Mattova reflected. Their commitment to standing strong against intimidation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and resilience during challenging times.
