Increased Security

The clips, which were shared on Ayoub’s social-media account, include deceptive editing, Shiraz maintains, stating that the material was “sensationalizing, intentionally misleading, edited or incomplete content”—forcing her to arrange additional security for the Nov. 21 competition.

Alternative video perspectives show Miss Israel positioning herself significantly behind “Miss Palestine,” making it physically impossible for her to direct a lateral glance at her. She explained that she had observed a photographer focusing on both women during the pre-pageant ceremony. “I realized that he was just angling towards her—and therefore me, because I was right behind her,” said Shiraz.

The questionable clips appeared on Ayoub’s social media, with celebrities including U.S. model Bella Hadid amplifying the video by reposting it. The “clipped” images were weaponized with “the aim to make me look bad and create a narrative of jealousy,” Shiraz told the Post.

Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy told the Post: “The footage is not real, it’s doctored,” noting the contestants “aren’t even standing next to each other.” The material was “stitched together to make Israel look bad” and manufactured “fake outrage,” Levy argued. “Millions of people lapped it up because they wanted it to be true.”

Shiraz continues to maintain her resolve despite the harassment. “…it’s the reality of being a Jewish person on this planet today. It’s unjust,” she said.

Originally published by Israel Hayom.