‘Miss Israel World International’ dedicates Jerusalem of Gold to Mizrahi girls denied school by Rabbis
As an Israeli and “Miss Israel World International” a former ultra-Orthodox Bait Yaakov girl from Jerusalem who faced rejection, I now stand as the voice for thousands of Jewish girls who, unlike others, could not begin their transition from primary school to high school this year simply because of their Mizrahi last name.
Last week, I turned rejection into strength and transformed my experience into a symbol on the global stage in the United States.
As the winner of “Miss Israel World International” I proudly use my title in every media appearance and on social media, where I am recognized by many as a representative of Israel. I also honor the additional titles I have earned, including “Miss World International.” and “Miss World Influencer 2025”, I proudly represented Israel by creating a powerful moment on stage in Israel’s national costume, ‘Jerusalem of Gold.’ I personally designed this costume to give a voice to girls in Jerusalem who sit at home without school while their best friends attend prestigious seminars, who are forbidden from speaking to media outlets due to their religious beliefs, often restricted from using the internet, and live under the risk of losing any future chance of acceptance into an ultra-Orthodox high school if they publicly speak or give an interview
The “Jerusalem of Gold” is more than a city or a symbol—it represents Jewish values and the qualities I aim to showcase to the world: the golden heart of good deeds, the golden heart of justice, and the golden hope that every Sephardic girl is seen as equal, without discrimination.
My Jerusalem was also marked by moments of doubt and rejection. I know the pain of being told I could not continue my Jewish education from primary to high school, and of being forced to stay home for an entire year —simply because of my ethnicity.
This crown is my voice for every girl who has been told “no”—not for lack of talent, dedication, or faith, but because of prejudice. It belongs to those whose dreams of receiving a Jewish religious education were dismissed, despite placing full trust in Hasidic rabbis, schools, and authorities who should have nurtured them.
After that year at home, I took the opportunity to study in a seminary in Europe, where I received a broader education and gained new perspectives on the world by traveling to ten European countries and meeting and working with Jewish communities as part of my studies, where I also developed my diplomacy skills. That journey strengthened my confidence and shaped the woman I am today—determined, focused, and ready to make a difference. It also inspired my social media persona, “Kosher Barbie,” aka “Miss Israel World International” through which I advocate for Israel and encourage others with the message that you can stay true to your tradition while chasing big dreams—just as I have.
As “Miss Israel World International” I dedicate the “Jerusalem of Gold” crown to every girl who dreams of a fair chance to grow, to learn, and to shine. Together, we can ensure that no young woman is ever made to feel that her ethnicity defines her worth.
