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By: Carl Schwartzbaum

Ofir Natalie Korsia, originally from Rishon Lezion, Israel, has concluded her year-long reign as Miss Universe Israel 2024, a title she won after a remarkable journey through the pageantry world that spanned continents. Now based in Los Angeles, California, Korsia’s rise to prominence within Israeli beauty pageantry reflects both a personal narrative of perseverance and a broader story of cultural representation on the international stage.

As various outlets have chronicled, Korsia first made her mark in 2021 when she represented her hometown of Rishon Lezion at the Malkat Ha Yofi 2021 competition held at Hotel Debrah Brown in Tel Aviv. Competing against 11 other finalists, Korsia earned the position of second runner-up alongside Aline Gurevitz, with the crown going to Noa Kochva. This early achievement placed her on the radar of Israel’s pageantry community and set the stage for her later success.

On September 29, 2024, Korsia returned to the competitive arena, once again representing Rishon Lezion–this time at the Miss Universe Israel 2024 pageant, held not in Israel, but at the Hilton Miami Aventura in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The relocation of the competition to the United States signaled a shift in the pageant’s international presence. There, among a field of seven finalists, Korsia captured the title, securing her place as the face of Israeli pageantry for the following year.

Her tenure as Miss Universe Israel culminated on July 17, 2025, when she returned to the same venue in Florida to officially pass on the crown to her successor, Melanie Shiraz of Caesarea.

 

The 2025 Miss Universe Israel Pageant: A Showcase of Talent and Vision

The 2025 Miss Universe Israel competition assembled 11 contestants from across the country, each representing distinct regions and bringing forward a unique blend of personal vision and cultural pride. As detailed in official records of the event, the competition unfolded through several elimination rounds, narrowing the field to the top contenders in a structured and closely watched format.

The initial group of finalists included:

Leehee Mintz, 24, Be’er Sheva

Meitav Wortman, 18, Eilat

Tali Matoko, 25, Gedera

Hila Netaneli, 55, Jerusalem

Hana Revivo, 23, Kiryat Gat

The competition advanced with six semifinalists, among them:

Alexandra Gerchik, 37, Haifa

Maia-Gili Arava, 24, Holon

Kessem Abergel, 23, Ramat Hasharon

From there, the final trio emerged–each recognized not only for their performance but for distinct qualities highlighted by the pageant’s array of special awards.

The Final Three: Visionaries Representing Israeli Diversity

The top three finalists represented a cross-section of Israeli society, each distinguished by personal achievements and public recognition.

Second Runner-up: Adela Cojab, 28, Tel Aviv

Cojab earned widespread praise within the competition, capturing multiple special awards, including Miss Congeniality, Best in Interview, and Community Impact Leader. Her commanding presence and contributions beyond the pageant stage resonated with both judges and audiences alike.

First Runner-up: Danielle Yablonka, 24, Herzliya

Yablonka impressed the panel with her runway performance, earning the Best in Runway distinction. Her sharp stage presence and eloquence placed her as a formidable contender, marking her as a standout among this year’s competitors.

 

Miss Universe Israel 2025: Melanie Shiraz, 26, Caesarea

Ultimately, it was Melanie Shiraz who emerged victorious, embodying the qualities sought in a modern representative of Israel on the world stage.

 

Melanie Shiraz: A Champion of Innovation, Advocacy, and Representation

As outlined in her official biography, Shiraz is an entrepreneur and creative leader deeply rooted in both business innovation and community advocacy. With a background that spans startup leadership, global team management, and active participation in advocacy for Jewish and Israeli communities, Shiraz brought a multidimensional profile to the competition.

In her own words, Shiraz emphasized her passion for building – be it businesses, ideas, or inclusive spaces where others feel empowered. “I’ve always been someone who thrives on building–whether it’s a business, an idea, or a space where others feel seen and inspired,” she stated, reflecting a personal ethos of leadership and mentorship.

Her connection to Israel, both as a homeland and a source of identity, is central to her vision. Growing up between cultures, Shiraz has maintained a strong commitment to representing Israel in advocacy settings around the world. Her participation in national and international conferences underscored her ability to communicate her values with clarity and compassion.

Personal Goals and the Future of Miss Universe Israel

Speaking candidly about her aspirations, Shiraz expressed a desire to challenge conventional notions of womanhood and representation. “Through Miss Israel, I want to represent the strength, complexity, and spirit of Israeli women. We are leaders, creators, problem-solvers, and visionaries – and we carry our stories with pride,” she stated.

Shiraz’s perspective highlights an evolving understanding of pageantry as a platform for advocacy, leadership, and authentic representation, rather than mere aesthetics. Her commitment to promoting intelligence, compassion, resilience, and elegance within the role reflects a growing trend of integrating social impact with cultural ambassadorship.

“This platform isn’t about being perfect,” she affirmed. “It’s about showing up authentically, standing for something meaningful, and representing Israel in a way that is bold, beautiful, and deeply human.”

She will represent Israel at the 74 th Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 21, 2025.

 

Honoring Achievements Beyond the Crown

In addition to the major titleholders, the 2025 Miss Universe Israel pageant recognized several contestants with special awards, acknowledging their unique contributions:

Miss Photogenic: Hana Revivo of Kiryat Gat

Best Stage Presence: Tali Matoko of Gedera

Woman of Vision: Hila Netaneli of Jerusalem

These accolades served to highlight the breadth of talent and the diverse accomplishments of the participants, reinforcing the pageant’s broader commitment to showcasing multifaceted excellence.

 

Reflecting on Korsia’s Tenure and Legacy

As Korsia concluded her year as titleholder, her remarks during the crowning ceremony underscored a sense of gratitude and fulfillment. Having transitioned from a second runner-up position at Malkat Ha Yofi 2021 to ultimately securing the Miss Universe Israel title in 2024, Korsia’s journey reflects a narrative of perseverance and growth.