Miss Israel has reported receiving death threats after being accused of looking at Miss Palestine during the Miss Universe pageant last week.
This “unleashed hatred” followed a viral video from an event in Thailand that allegedly shows Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, 27, giving a disapproving glance at Miss Palestine, Nadine Ayoub, also 27, who was nearby.
“It’s not just death threats; there are also threats of sexual assault,” Shiraz shared from Thailand. “I’ve faced anti-Semitism before, but this is on another level.”
Over the past week, the Jewish beauty queen has dealt with extreme pro-Palestinian protests and received hateful messages online, with some even saying, “Hitler should have finished the job.”
“It’s isolating. The level of hatred directed at me is something most people would never comprehend,” Shiraz said, adding, “Needing extra security isn’t something I ever thought I’d face.”
She mentioned that the video shared by Miss Palestine, who is a Canadian citizen residing in Dubai, was misleadingly edited.
In preparation for the Nov. 21 contest, Shiraz had to enhance her security after criticizing the pre-contest videos as sensationalized and incomplete. Other footage indicated that Miss Israel was positioned well behind Miss Palestine, which refuted claims she was looking directly at her.
Shiraz noted that the photographer, who was capturing both her and Miss Palestine, was simply facing her as well. “He was angled toward us because I was right behind her,” she explained.
The original footage was quickly shared on Miss Palestine’s social media alongside Sia’s song “Unstoppable,” with comments insinuating Miss Israel was displaying jealousy.
The controversy gained traction after celebrities like Bella Hadid shared the doctored video, according to Shiraz, who claimed that it was manipulated to damage her reputation and foster negativity.
Supporters of Shiraz backed her amidst the uproar. Eiron Levy, a former spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserted that the footage was fake and designed to stir up anger. “They aren’t even close to each other,” he stated, highlighting the manipulation behind the narrative.
Defiant, Shiraz explained, “This is the reality for Jews today. It’s profoundly unjust.”
Miss Palestine did not respond to requests for comment.
