Incident Involving Former Miss Slovakia Highlights Concerns Over Anti-Semitism

Former Miss Slovakia, Miriam Matova, recently shared an unsettling experience with an Uber driver in Toronto. During a ride home, while discussing her friend’s trip to Israel, the driver abruptly stopped and asked her to exit the vehicle, stating, “Jews don’t drive.” Matova characterized this as a clear act of anti-Semitism that should have serious consequences.

The 33-year-old model and Jewish advocate has spoken with various media outlets about how this encounter was a painful reminder of how quickly hate can manifest and how corporations often lag in their responses. The incident took place shortly after midnight on November 30, when a friend arranged the ride for her on Dundas Street in Toronto.

While in the back seat, Matova initiated a FaceTime call, discussing Israel and her friend’s plans. Suddenly, the female driver, a Muslim woman, slammed on the brakes at a busy intersection, demanding that Matova leave the car. Initially, Matova guessed there might have been a technical issue with the ride.

Upon inquiring further, Matova recalled the driver’s justification, citing discomfort with her presence and explicitly stating, “Jews don’t drive.” Matova chose to exit the vehicle, viewing it as a moment of clarity rather than fear, emphasizing the importance of not remaining in a discriminatory environment.

After ordering another ride to complete her journey home, Matova filed a complaint through the Uber app, as did a friend who had booked the ride. However, she expressed disappointment over the lack of a substantial response from Uber until this incident gained media attention. Only then did the company reach out, offering a refund but seeming to treat the matter as routine rather than addressing the serious nature of the discrimination.

Matova’s lawyer, Howard Levitt, remarked that Uber’s focus during their communication was more on potential physical harm rather than the underlying racism involved. Eventually, Uber did apologize via email and committed to looking into the driver’s conduct, asserting that discrimination is unacceptable on its platform. Yet, the specifics of what actions were taken remain unclear, causing concern for Matova.

She argued that a responsible company would dismiss a driver who refuses service based on the passenger’s religion. Levitt criticized Uber’s reliance on privacy claims as a barrier against accountability, stating that they have not taken the necessary steps to terminate their relationship with the driver in question.

Levitt has demanded that Uber make it clear in all driver contracts that discrimination based on religion or race is grounds for removal. He mentioned that if Uber does not respond adequately, he intends to take legal action with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

Matova emphasized that she wasn’t pursuing personal gain, but rather wanted Uber to direct any donations to an Israeli charity providing support to trauma victims, particularly following recent violence. She reiterated the need for accountability, not only for herself but for the wider Jewish community as well.

In the wake of her experience, Matova has been in contact with others who have reported similar anti-Semitic incidents while using rideshare services, expressing concern that a lack of response from large companies sends a harmful message about addressing hate.

For Matova, this experience transcended a mere embarrassing moment during a car ride. Since returning to Canada full-time in April 2023, her work in pro-Israel advocacy intensified following attacks in Israel in October, igniting her commitment to stand against anti-Semitism. Her activism has included trips to Israel, connecting with survivors and raising awareness about Jewish security issues.

Her deep-rooted family history, including her grandmother’s survival of the Holocaust, has profoundly influenced her perspective on the dangers of hatred and the need for vigilance. Matova’s grandmother’s warnings about the early signs of anti-Semitism resonate deeply with her, prompting her to question the future of Jewish communities in Canada.

Despite her love for Canada, Matova now faces uncertainty about her place in the country. She admits that she’s hesitant about using rideshare services going forward and is even contemplating a move to Israel. She believes that it’s vital to address discrimination and that standing up against hatred is crucial—not just for her but for all communities.

Ultimately, Matova views the November 30 incident not only as a personal affront but also as a larger warning about the dangers of remaining silent in the face of discrimination.