From India to Jerusalem to Satmar: The Torah legacy of Miss Israel World International’s father
As Miss Israel World Internatioal 2025 at the Ms World International pageant, I want to share a rare story of Jewish Indian heritage—a story that few have told to the world. I reflect on the life of my father, who immigrated from India to Israel. This month marks thirty days since his passing, and his memory continues to inspire my life—especially in the way we contribute to our communities—not for reward, but simply to be there for one another. His story is the beginning of mine.
My father was born into a warm, humble Jewish life in India, shaped by the Iraqi Baghdadi tradition, known for kindness, calmness, and deep devotion to Torah. Prayers were read entirely in Hebrew, and during Pesach, the Haggadah was recited in its ancient Aramaic—proof that even far from Israel, the heart of Judaism beat strong.
He dreamed of Israel his entire childhood, and when he finally arrived in Jerusalem, he entered a different universe: the intense, disciplined world of Ashkenazi Hasidic life near the Admorim of Toldos Aharon of the Satmar sect. My sister studied at Bnos Rachel in Mea Shearim, and the Admor of Toldos Aharon honored our family by serving as sandak at my brother’s brit milah, reflecting his respect and connection to our family.
Before his spiritual transformation, my father was a gifted fashion designer, running the family textile business in India. But once he embraced Torah life, he dedicated all his creativity, energy, and resources to building yeshivas and supporting Torah education in Jerusalem.
His life in Jerusalem began in the 1970s, alongside Rabbi Yaakov Hillel. Quietly, and without ever seeking recognition, my father donated the very first building that allowed Yeshivat Ahavat Shalom to open its doors—today the third-largest yeshiva in the world after Lakewood and Mir. Last month, during the shiva, Rabbi Hillel and his children shared memories of my father’s generosity and the kindness he had shown them throughout the years.
What makes their connection even more remarkable is that both Rabbi Hillel and my father were born in Mumbai. Their families had prayed in the same Magen David Synagogue in Mumbai and even lived in the same building. To reconnect in Jerusalem after so many years felt like divine destiny.
My father’s legacy reminds us that true generosity often lives in the smallest, quietest acts. When he chose to close all his fashion stores across Israel, he redirected every thought and resource toward supporting the Torah world. He even removed the air-conditioning unit from his designer shop and brought it to Yeshivat Ahavat Shalom so the students could learn in comfort—the first air conditioner the yeshiva ever had. He also donated the first Torah scroll in our family’s name, always refusing recognition and insisting that the mitzvah remain hidden.
In the 1970s, Jerusalem had only two BMW cars: one belonged to my father, the other to Aryeh Deri, now a member of the Israeli Knesset representing Mizrachi Jews. Yet my father never flaunted his wealth—it was always a tool to serve others in every possible way. He supported Rabbi Hillel not just financially but with personal devotion, such as waking at 3 a.m. to drive him to pre-dawn Kabbalistic prayers—a joy rather than a burden. In Kabbalah, praying at “Netz Hachamah” sunrise—connects one to the first light entering the world.
Today, in my father’s memory, I carry forward his legacy, guided by his example that true generosity is not measured only in wealth, but in being present wherever the community needs us most.
Through my platform as Miss Israel World International and Miss World Influencer, I strive to advocate for Jews living in India who hope to make Israel their home, and to honor those who courageously share their stories with the world.