Two Jewish beauty queens, Miriam Mattova and Melanie Shiraz, are using their platforms to combat antisemitism and promote messages of hope as they approach the festival of Hanukkah, which begins on December 3, 2023. Both women have recently faced significant backlash, including death threats, prompting them to speak out against hate and advocate for peace during this important holiday.
Miriam Mattova, the former Miss Slovakia, shared her distressing experience of being ejected from an Uber in Toronto last month. During a late-night ride, she claims the female driver, who wore a hijab, overheard her discussing her recent trip to Israel. Allegedly, the driver abruptly stopped the vehicle in a problematic area and insisted, “I don’t drive Jewish people.” Following this incident, Mattova took to social media to reaffirm her Jewish identity, only to receive a flood of antisemitic messages. Some of these included threatening remarks such as, “Ama kill you someday” and “Should have just slit your throat lol.”
In response to the severity of the threats, Mattova reported the situation to the police. She stated, “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen.” The 33-year-old, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, emphasized the importance of resilience, particularly during Hanukkah, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
In a parallel narrative, Melanie Shiraz, who represented Israel at the Miss Universe pageant, also encountered hostility. Following a controversial moment with her rival, Miss Palestine, during the event, Shiraz received death threats, reportedly needing increased security while in Thailand. She reflected on the spirit of Hanukkah, stating, “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges.”
Shiraz, 27, encouraged her fellow Jews to embrace their heritage of resilience, particularly in a climate of rising antisemitism. “Hanukkah teaches us that even when the world feels heavy, we show up — proudly, bravely, and together,” she said. Both women have transformed their experiences into a call for unity and strength, embodying the essence of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, celebrating the miracle of a small jar of oil lasting eight days instead of one. For both Mattova and Shiraz, this festival represents a beacon of hope amid darkness and hostility. They advocate for a community that stands strong against hate, reinforcing that silence only empowers those who promote it.
As the festival begins, their messages resonate deeply, urging others to join in the celebration of resilience and pride in their heritage, rather than succumbing to fear. The stories of these two beauty queens highlight not only their personal struggles but also a broader narrative of the Jewish community’s fight against hate and their unwavering commitment to hope during challenging times.
