The Blogs: Breaking Tradition: Hasidic Girl to Win the 2024 Miss Universe Israel Crown

My journey to the Miss Universe Israel 2024 pageant has been both profound and transformative. I am honored to have made history as the first Hasidic girl ever to compete on the world’s national stage of Miss Universe.

Growing up in a Hasidic community in Israel, I had to relearn aspects of life that many others had embraced for years. However, as I prepared for this pageant, I realized that the Torah study of “Eshet Chayil,” which emphasizes the ideal Jewish woman’s inner beauty that reflects on the outside, has become my most valuable tool. This truth became clear to me during my interview with the Miss Universe judges before the show, as they were genuinely seeking to recognize inner beauty shining through outer appearances.

I have always celebrated my Israeli roots through fashion, and this pageant feels like one bold step forward for me. I firmly believe that women’s empowerment starts with the inner beauty that radiates outward.

One of the most challenging moments for me was publicly modeling in a swimsuit for the first time, something I had previously avoided. I knew I had to meet all Miss Universe requirements in order to win the crown.

As I’m debating whether I should break some of my boundaries, my mentor, Andrea Valentina — who won Miss Grand Florida — was there to support me. She encouraged me to overcome my shyness and believed in my potential. Andrea taught me that true empowerment and self-confidence come not only from how I look on the outside but also from accepting and celebrating who I am on the inside. I felt it was the right moment to take a step forward and share my swimsuit picture publicly for the first time on my social media.

This pageant gave me the opportunity to collaborate with leading fashion designers, including national director Edgar Saakyan.

As we approach the Jewish New Year, I recognize that this pageant will mark a significant milestone for me. I will continue to spread love for my homeland, Israel, and to combat antisemitism through fashion and art.