Two Jewish beauty queens have come forward to share their experiences of antisemitism and their hopes for peace as the festival of Hanukkah begins on December 10, 2023. Miriam Mattova, the former Miss Slovakia, recently faced a shocking incident in Toronto where she was allegedly ejected from an Uber for being Jewish. The incident, which occurred on November 30, 2023, has propelled her to speak out against hate and violence.
Mattova, a dual citizen of Canada, described the harrowing experience during a late-night ride when the female driver, wearing a hijab, reportedly overheard her discussing a recent trip to Israel. According to Mattova, the driver abruptly stopped the vehicle and told her, “I don’t drive Jewish people.” Following this, she faced a barrage of antisemitic messages online, including death threats. “Ama kill you someday,” one message read, while another stated, “So happy the Uber driver kicked you out for being a Jew.”
The former beauty queen, who holds a Ph.D. in political science, expressed her resolve in the face of these threats. “The death threats have gotten so bad that I went to the police station,” she said. “Their goal is simply to silence people like me and discourage others from speaking up, but we cannot allow that to happen.” Inspired by the spirit of Hanukkah, a festival symbolizing resilience and perseverance, she emphasized the importance of standing firm against hate: “Hanukkah is the holiday of light — shining through the darkness.”
Mattova’s sentiments resonate with those of fellow pageant contestant Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel, who experienced her own wave of controversy during the Miss Universe pageant in December. Shiraz faced backlash and threats after accusations emerged that she had given a negative look to Miss Palestine during the event. “In the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish people have always shown that we can overcome adversity and challenges,” she stated.
Shiraz, who required enhanced security during her time in Thailand for the pageant, remains defiant in the face of hostility. “As Jews, our history is a testament to resilience,” she said, reflecting on the significance of Hanukkah. “Even when the world feels heavy, we show up — proudly, bravely, and together.”
Both women highlight the importance of solidarity within the Jewish community during this challenging time. As Hanukkah approaches, their calls for hope and strength serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. The messages from both Mattova and Shiraz embody a commitment to not only celebrate their heritage but also to advocate for peace and understanding amidst rising antisemitism.
