86-year-old woman crowned Israel's Miss Holocaust Survivor

Tel Aviv: Selina Steinfeld, an 86-year-old, a holocaust survivor was named 'Miss Holocaust Survivor' in a pageant competition in Israel. The local foundation, Yad Ezer L'Haver, organised the pageant to bring joy and recognition to the dwindling population of Holocaust survivors.

Yad Ezer L'Haver is a local foundation that provides services to Holocaust survivors. CEO of the organisation, Shimon Sabag said that Holocaust survivors are the true heroines and we (Jews in Israel) are here today because of them. "These amazing women, Holocaust survivors, are already in their twilight years and will not be here with us for much longer," reported Arab News.

Ten women in their 80s and 90s took part in the programme. They were treated by professional makeup artists, hairdressers and stylists. Miss Israel Noa Kochba was among the celebrities who served as judges, reported Arab News.

The pageant is aimed at giving glamour and glory to the Jewish women whose youth was stolen during World War II.

Selina Steinfeld survived the mass roundups and massacres of Jews as a child in Romania. She moved to Israel in 1948. She has three children, seven grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

After winning the pageant, Steinfeld said that she has no words to express her happiness. She enjoyed the pampering provided by the organisers and hoped "to lead the people of Israel to beauty and goodness."

Another contestant Kuka Palmon (87) told Reuters she never dreamt of getting to where she is now and having a big family after going through the Holocaust. She is also from Romania and has two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Israel was established as a nation in 1948 as a refuge to jews from around the world after the Holocaust. Around 175,000 people who survived the genocidal event are living in Israel at the moment.

The annual event was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.