International competitions that take place in Israel lead to many discussions and disputes. This was the case at the Eurovision Song Contest that took place in Tel Aviv even before the Corona, and this is also the case this time at the final ceremony of the World Miss Universe competition that will take place in Eilat this coming Sunday.
Musician Neta Barzilai, the 2018 Eurovision winner, announced that despite the invitation, she will not appear in the competition, according to a News 13 report. “I was flattered by the offer to perform at this ceremony,” she said in response. “I manage to see myself standing on a stage where women are judged by their appearance, body size, height and weight.”
She added that “although updates have been made in the spirit of the period, I still think that a beauty pageant is a difficult, outdated and diminishing concept. It is time to move forward.” Media woman Judy Nir Mozes Shalom, the ex-wife of former minister Silvan Shalom, did not accept the remarks and stated that it was hypocrisy.
“This is a competition that is good for the Israeli economy,” she said in an interview with Radio 103FM. “We are constantly making headlines around the world for negative reasons, and here is a good reason to show our other side to the world. “When women are examined according to their appearance, it’s hypocrisy.” She added, “When I match people, people always ask me, ‘What does she look like? What does he look like?’
On the other hand, the upcoming ceremony is expected to feature singers Harel Skaat and Narkis performing the song “Hallelujah”, the next star contestant Larry Hamati and even Noa Kirl will sing “Bad Little Thing”.
Narcissus. Photo: Tomer Neuberg / Flash90