Two Jewish beauty queens, Miriam Mattova and Melanie Shiraz, have publicly shared their experiences of antisemitism and death threats while expressing hope and resilience as they celebrate Hanukkah. The festival, which begins on December 10, 2023, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and encourages individuals to stand against hatred.
Miriam Mattova, a former Miss Slovakia, recently recounted a distressing incident in Toronto. She claims she was forcibly removed from an Uber ride by a driver who allegedly objected to her Jewish identity. According to Mattova, the driver, wearing a hijab, overheard her discussing a recent trip to Israel. The driver reportedly halted the vehicle in a dangerous area and told Mattova, “I don’t drive Jewish people.” This incident occurred on November 30, 2023, and has since prompted Mattova to speak out against the rising tide of antisemitism.
After sharing her experience on social media, Mattova faced a barrage of hateful messages, including direct death threats. “Ama kill you someday,” read one message, while another stated, “Should have just slit your throat lol.” The threats escalated to a point where she felt compelled to report them to local authorities. “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen,” Mattova asserted, emphasizing her determination to maintain her Jewish identity.
The 33-year-old dual citizen of Canada expressed that the antisemitic backlash has only strengthened her resolve. “Hanukkah is the holiday of light — shining through the darkness — and we can’t hide now. Hate thrives on our silence and intimidation,” she remarked. Mattova, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, has found her voice in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which she cites as a pivotal moment in her advocacy for the Jewish community.
Message of Resilience in Hanukkah Celebration
Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel, also faced significant challenges during the recent Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand. She became embroiled in controversy after being accused of disrespecting her rival, Miss Palestine, which led to her receiving death threats. Despite the hostile environment, Shiraz has embraced the spirit of resilience associated with Hanukkah.
“In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” Shiraz told The Post. “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 during the pageant due to the threats but remained steadfast in her commitment to represent her heritage proudly.
Both women embody the message of Hanukkah, which celebrates perseverance against oppression. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of a small jar of oil lasting eight days. This legacy of strength and hope resonates deeply with both Mattova and Shiraz as they navigate their respective challenges.
As Hanukkah approaches, their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up against antisemitism and fostering a spirit of unity and hope within the Jewish community and beyond. Their courageous actions highlight a broader message: that even in the face of adversity, the light of hope and resilience can shine brightly.
