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“My national costume for Miss Universe carries symbols that speak to the heart of the Israeli story,” Shiraz said.
By Shula Rosen
Israel’s representative at this year’s Miss Universe competition used the global stage to highlight the hostages and fallen from the Gaza War, debuting a yellow gown she designed herself for the national costume segment held Friday in Thailand.
Melanie Shiraz, 26, chose the color associated with calls for the hostages’ return and decorated the dress with a Star of David and dozens of red anemones symbolizing those killed in the conflict.
Shiraz explained on social media that her outfit was meant to convey a national story shaped by loss and resilience. “My national costume for Miss Universe carries symbols that speak to the heart of the Israeli story,” she wrote, adding that each flower marked a life cut short since the war began and that she created the dress as a tribute to grieving families and communities.
Despite the attention her presentation generated, Shiraz did not advance to the top 30. By contrast, the contestant representing Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, reached that stage of the competition while wearing a custom ensemble meant to evoke Palestinian heritage.
The run-up to the event was marked by controversy after a video of contestants lining up for a photo circulated online.
Some viewers claimed Shiraz appeared to glare at Ayoub. The clip led to a burst of harassment, including threats directed at Israel’s contestant.
Shiraz later said the camera angle created a false impression. “My social media got swarmed with hate comments,” she told Fox News, noting messages that included graphic threats.
To counter the claims, Shiraz released footage showing she was positioned behind Ayoub rather than directing a look at her. She criticized those who shared the original clip, writing that “sensationalizing intentionally misleading, edited, or incomplete content at the expense of another woman is disappointing,” especially at a moment when genuine crises demand public attention.
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