Two Jewish beauty queens, Miriam Mattova and Melanie Shiraz, are publicly sharing their experiences of antisemitism as they prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, which begins on the evening of December 3, 2023. Both women have faced significant backlash and threats in recent weeks, but they are determined to stand against hate and promote a message of hope.
Mattova, a former Miss Slovakia and a dual citizen of Canada, recounted a troubling incident in Toronto last month. While on an Uber ride, she was allegedly ejected by her driver, who reportedly stated, “I don’t drive Jewish people,” after overhearing Mattova discuss her trip to Israel. The incident, which occurred on November 30, left Mattova feeling targeted and frightened.
In the wake of this experience, the 33-year-old model chose to speak out publicly. “They won’t intimidate me, and I won’t go into hiding,” she declared in an interview. “Hanukkah is the holiday of light—shining through the darkness—and we can’t hide now. Hate thrives on our silence and intimidation.” Following her social media posts about the incident, Mattova received a barrage of antisemitic messages, including death threats. “The death threats have gotten so bad that I went to the police station,” she stated, underlining the seriousness of her situation.
Mattova, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, shared her struggle with her Jewish identity growing up. However, the recent conflict that escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, prompted her to embrace her Jewish heritage more fiercely. “Even when it’s painful to speak up, we can’t back down from being Jewish and proud,” she emphasized.
Embracing Resilience During Hanukkah
Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel, has also faced her share of adversity. During the Miss Universe pageant held last month, she faced controversy and death threats over accusations that she had shown disrespect towards her rival, Miss Palestine. The 27-year-old felt compelled to increase her security while in Thailand for the event but remained undeterred.
Shiraz echoed similar sentiments as Mattova regarding the spirit of Hanukkah. “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” she noted. “This Hanukkah, especially with this hostile climate, I hope we can embrace our heritage of resilience and come out stronger.”
The festival of Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and celebrates the miracle of a jar of oil lasting for eight nights. This message of perseverance resonates deeply with both women as they navigate their public lives amid rising antisemitism.
Both Mattova and Shiraz are using their platforms to inspire others to stand against hatred and to embrace their identities. “As Jews, our history is a testament to resilience,” Shiraz concluded. “Hanukkah teaches us that even when the world feels heavy, we show up—proudly, bravely, and together.”
As the festival of lights approaches, these beauty queens remind us of the importance of hope and unity in the face of darkness.
