Jerusalem Post
ByEZRA TAYLOR
The 26-year-old is already coordinating with Jewish orgs. "I didn't enter this competition just to wear a crown—I did it because I believe in the power of this platform to create real impact."
In a moment of pure emotion and sisterhood, Melanie Shiraz, representing Caesarea, was crowned Miss Universe Israel 2025 on Thursday at the Hilton Miami Aventura Hotel in Florida. As the announcement was made, Shiraz stood face-to-face with runner-up and influencer Danielle Yablonka, representing Herzliya, who immediately broke into an open-mouthed expression of surprise before pulling the new queen into a heartfelt embrace.
The touching moment between the two finalists encapsulated the spirit of the competition, as outgoing titleholder Ofir Korsia officially passed the crown to Shiraz in a ceremony that marked the second consecutive year the competition was held outside of Israel.
Shiraz, 26, is an Israeli entrepreneur and creative with a background in innovation, advocacy, and the arts. She is deeply committed to uplifting women, amplifying underrepresented voices, and strengthening pride and belonging within the Jewish and Israeli community.
Speaking to The Jerusalem Post after her win, a determined Shiraz reflected on the significance of her victory: "It's hard to put into words just how emotional and transformative this experience has been. Winning Miss Universe Israel is an incredible honor, but more than anything, it's a meaningful responsibility. I didn't enter this competition just to wear a crown—I did it because I believe in the power of this platform to create real impact."
A big platform for meaningful change
The new Miss Universe Israel emphasized that her victory represents more than personal achievement. "My goal this year is to actively use this opportunity—not just to represent Israel on a global stage, but to do something with it," Shiraz explained. "I want to show people, both in and outside of Israel, that this title can be a force for connection, for understanding, and for positive change. It's about far more than beauty—it's about making our people proud by standing for something that matters."
"It's not just a beauty pageant," Shiraz told the Post, reinforcing her commitment to meaningful advocacy. She revealed that she is already actively pursuing this vision, having begun coordinating with Jewish organizations to develop various projects and events.
Addressing the Jewish diaspora and Israelis worldwide, Shiraz added: "I want every Jew and Israeli, no matter where they are, to feel proud of this moment."
The competition featured eleven finalists representing diverse cities across Israel: Leehee Mintz representing Beersheba, Melanie Shiraz representing Caesarea, Meitav Wortman representing Eilat, Tali Matoko representing Gedera, Alexandra Gerchik representing Haifa, Danielle Yablonka representing Herzliya (first runner-up), Maia-Gili Arava representing Holon, Hila Netaneli representing Jerusalem, Hana Revivo representing Kiryat Gat, Kessem Abergel representing Ramat Hasharon, and Adela Cojab representing Tel Aviv (second runner-up).
Second year the competition held in Miami
The pageant was held in Miami for the second consecutive year, marking another departure from Israel for the national competition amid regional instability. The Miss Universe Israel organization launched in 2024 as a separate entity from the traditional Miss Israel pageant, which had represented the country at international competitions since 1950.
Shiraz will now prepare to represent Israel at Miss Universe 2025, scheduled to take place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand. She follows in the footsteps of Korsia, who competed at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico City but was unplaced.
Israel's beauty pageant legacy
Israel's most historic achievement in international beauty pageants came in 1976 when Rina Messinger captured the Miss Universe crown in Hong Kong, making her Israel's first—and to date, only—winner of the prestigious title. The country has enjoyed notable successes over the decades, with multiple contestants reaching the Top 5 in the 1960s and early 1970s, while other participants secured semifinalist placements throughout subsequent decades.
One of the standout performances in the 21st century came from Elena Ralph, who advanced to the Top 10 at Miss Universe 2005 after being crowned Miss Israel that year. The pageant has also produced internationally renowned figures, including Gal Gadot, who was crowned Miss Israel in 2004 and later became a household name worldwide as the actress portraying Wonder Woman, most recently as the Evil Queen in Disney's live-action Snow White remake.
As Shiraz prepares for Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, she's already putting her advocacy goals into motion. Her plans with Jewish organizations reflect a determination to transform the platform into something more substantial than a traditional pageant experience. With Israel's 21 Miss Universe placements providing a foundation of international recognition, Shiraz enters the global competition with a distinctly mission-driven approach that prioritizes meaningful connection over conventional representation.
