Miss Israel World International on the October 7 Massacre: A Nation Forever Changed

As Miss Israel World International, I carry with me not only the crown but the responsibility to speak for my people in moments of pain and remembrance. Two years ago today, millions of Israelis woke up to celebrate Simchat Torah, a joyous festival that comes at the conclusion of Sukkot and marks the beginning of the annual cycle of Torah reading.

Just a few hours later—at 6:29 a.m. on October 7—the joy of the holiday was shattered. That moment changed the life of Jews forever. Hamas terrorists stormed Israeli towns and a music festival, turning a day of unity and celebration into one of terror, loss, and despair.

As we commemorate the deadliest single day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, we stand with our community in Israel and around the world. Two years later, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, a haunting reminder that the tragedy of October 7 is not yet over.

Before becoming Miss Israel, I spent every day of my life contributing in any way I could to the victims of October 7 and their families. I accompanied hostage families on their trip to the United States, where they met with fire officials, community leaders, and countless supporters. I covered interviews, carried their stories, and reminded the world that behind every headline was a family waiting for justice, for comfort, for answers.

October 7 is the day that changed the life of every Jew around the world. Since then, one question follows us everywhere: “Are you okay?”

But this time, unlike in past struggles, the answer is not one of resilience or defiance. It is not a simple “yes” or a hopeful smile. This time, in the shadow of such horror, we are forced to answer with honesty: “No. We are not okay.”

Since that dark day, 1,152 Israeli soldiers have fallen—sons and daughters, husbands and wives, young dreamers whose futures were cut short. Their sacrifice has left behind more than 6,500 new bereaved family members: 1,973 parents who will never again hold their children, 351 widows left to face life alone, 885 children who are now orphans, and 3,481 brothers and sisters whose lives will never be the same.

Each of these numbers tells a human story. Each grave is not just a marker in the earth but a testimony of courage, love, and sacrifice.

The fallen were not only defenders of the land—they were friends, neighbors, students, and newlyweds. Their absence is felt in every home, every community, and every corner of our nation.

As Miss Israel, much of my advocacy has been behind the scenes, covering important interviews with government officials. One such moment was sharing and documenting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s first meeting with a hostage family at the Nova performance in Miami, February 2025—coverage that appeared in more than 100 publications worldwide. October 7 is not just a date, but an open wound—a reminder of what was taken from us and of the resilience that remains.

Though we may not be okay, we will never stop standing together. And in their memory, we declare with unshakable certainty: Am Yisrael Chai.