Miss Israel Receives Death and Rape Threats Over Viral Video With Miss Palestine

Melanie Shiraz, Israel’s representative at this year’s Miss Universe pageant, is facing a torrent of online death and rape threats after a brief video clip circulated online, purporting to show her reacting negatively to Miss Palestine.

The footage, taken during a Miss Universe event last week, went viral after it appeared to show Shiraz, 27, rolling her eyes or scowling while standing behind Nadeen Ayoub the first-ever contestant to represent Palestinian Arabs at the global competition. Ayoub is a Dubai resident and winner of the inaugural Miss Palestine title.

What followed has been a disturbing campaign of hate. Pro-Hamas social media users began targeting Shiraz with antisemitic abuse, including messages supporting Nazism, explicit threats of sexual violence, and calls for her death.

“It’s not only death threats, but sexual assault threats,” Shiraz told the New York Post. “I experienced antisemitism before, but I didn’t think it would be this bad.” One of the many vile messages sent to her read: “Hitler should have finished the job.”

Shiraz denied any ill will toward Ayoub, stating that the clip had been misleadingly edited. “I was simply looking toward other contestants as they came on stage,” she explained in an Instagram post.

She also issued a broader call to uphold the values of the pageant: “This platform is meant to empower women. Using it to tear women down, sharing images without consent and staying silent while a fellow competitor is attacked all undermine what we are meant to represent.”

Despite the barrage of hate, Shiraz remains resolute. “I will continue to stand proudly as a Jewish Israeli woman, and to advocate for truth, peace, and unity.”

The vicious campaign against Shiraz is not an isolated incident but part of a broader wave of antisemitism that has surged in both digital and public spaces since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Jewish women, in particular, are increasingly becoming targets of harassment under the guise of activism.

Melanie Shiraz’s grace under pressure stands as a testament to the strength of Israeli women in the face of slander and hate. At a time when antisemitism is being mainstreamed and normalized, her voice is a much-needed reminder of courage, truth, and dignity.

Stand with Melanie Shiraz and all who speak truth against hatred. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more stories that celebrate Israel, its people, and its unwavering values.