World
Miss Israel Claims Rama Duwaji's 'Demeanour Changed' After Learning Her Identity | VIDEO
Miss Israel 2024, Melanie Shiraz Asor, has shared an account of an unexpected encounter with Rama Duwaji, wife of New York politician Zohran Mamdani, alleging that the interaction became uncomfortable after she revealed her identity.
In an Instagram post, Asor claimed that while the meeting began politely, the atmosphere shifted once she introduced herself as Miss Israel and identified as Israeli and Jewish. According to her, Duwaji’s “demeanour changed” at that point.
Reflecting on the exchange, she wrote, “Was I surprised by the outcome? Not particularly. It is easy to apologize without meaningfully changing one’s behavior. It is easy to claim opposition to dehumanization in principle, but far more difficult to embody that in practice.”
She further added, “She was polite throughout. But the shift in demeanor was evident, and the lack of willingness to engage even more so. I approached the interaction with openness to a genuine, respectful conversation. That openness was not reciprocated.”
Asor also noted, “And that, perhaps, is the more telling point: how often this disconnect appears, and how normalised it has become.”
She additionally shared a video in which she discussed Duwaji’s past social media activity and alleged a lack of willingness to engage in dialogue. Recounting her version of the interaction, she said, “For those asking, I told her I was Miss Israel, that I’m Israeli and Jewish. I also told her I was disappointed to see the content that she was posting, liking, and promoting, but that I would be open to having a productive conversation with her about it.”
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The post triggered a wave of reactions online, with supporters praising Asor. One user wrote, “I love you, Melanie, you are a great, beautiful person.” Another commented, “Exactly, easy to post appeasing words, but face to face is when we see the truth! Very proud of how you handled yourself!”
Others added, “Wow. You are a queen. Thank you for always standing up with so much grace. You make us all very proud,” while another said, “Whoo hoo!! You are brave, and that’s why you are Miss Israel! You deserve the crown.”
