Global Stage Controversy: Profile of Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel 2025

Robert Draws – The name Melanie Shiraz Asor, commonly known as Melanie Shiraz, has suddenly gained global attention. Miss Israel 2025 went viral on social media after a video showed her giving a disapproving look towards Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, on the Miss Universe 2025 stage in Thailand. The moment immediately sparked intense debate, widely seen as a reflection of the Israel-Palestine political tensions carried onto the world beauty pageant stage.

Behind the controversy, Melanie possesses an impressive background that extends far beyond the realm of beauty pageants.

1. Background and Early Life

Melanie Shiraz has a background that connects the Middle East and the United States.

• Full Name: Melanie Shiraz Asor
• Place of Birth: Tel Aviv, Israel
• Birth Date: November 1998 (Currently around 26-27 years old)
• Family: She was raised by her mother, Estee Shiraz.
• Life Journey: As a child, Melanie and her family moved to the United States. She later returned to reside in Tel Aviv a few years ago, just before the outbreak of the October 7 attack that shook the region.
• Representing Region: When competing in Miss Universe Israel 2025, she represented the Caesarea region.

Read more: Art as a Spokesperson: Viewing Illustrations by Rama Duwaji Voicing Palestine from New York

2. Stellar Education and Career (Data Scientist and Entrepreneur)

Melanie Shiraz is known not only as a beauty queen but also as a data scientist and a successful entrepreneur in the field of digital financial technology (fintech).

Educational History:

• University of California, Berkeley (US): Earned a double degree in Data Science and Interdisciplinary Studies (with a focus on Israeli politics).
• Campus Activities: During college, she was active in Jewish organizations such as Chabad, Hillel, and the Jewish Student Union.
• Tel Aviv University (Israel): Pursued further studies and obtained an MBA.

Career History:

• After graduating, Melanie briefly worked in Silicon Valley (the tech hub in the US).
• She later decided to found her own company in the fintech sector.

3. Controversy at Miss Universe 2025

The viral video showing Melanie’s disapproving gaze towards Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, on the Miss Universe 2025 stage became the peak of the controversy linking the beauty contest with political conflict. The moment divided online opinion, with many viewers interpreting Melanie’s look as a direct representation of the political tensions between the two nations.