My Hasidic Roots as a Finalist in Miss Universe Israel 2024

My journey to becoming a finalist in the Miss Universe Israel 2024 pageant has been both profound and transformative. I am honored to represent the beautiful city of Netanya.

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 a 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 significant requirement of the pageant was to model in a swimsuit publicly for the first time — a considerable departure from my strict religious upbringing. In the past, and even today, I would have never considered modeling publicly in a bikini, let alone posing in one on my Instagram.

During that time, 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. She taught me that true empowerment and self-confidence come not just 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 proudly share my swimsuit post publicly for the first time.

Participating in this pageant means collaborating with top industry pioneers, including director Edgar Saakyan, who has successfully produced numerous queens in prestigious competitions such as Miss Universe. I feel honored to have been the first Hasidic woman to be a finalist on the show..

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.

I pray for all the people of Israel, Jews around the world, and I extend a special thanks to our IDF soldiers.