Yes, in case you were wondering, there really is a pageant called “Miss Holocaust Survivor,” and it’s been held in Israel for the past three years. This year, 83-year-old Romanian born Rita Berkowitz won this charity beauty pageant, which The Huffington Post recently re-shared.
Berkowitz immigrated to Israel in 1951 and was chosen among 16 European natives who participated in the contest–all of the participants shared with the audience their stories of survival during the Holocaust. This octogenarian is a mom of one, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of five.
READ: As the Granddaughter of Holocaust Survivors, I Can’t Stay Silent About Islamophobia
In the video, Berkowitz has a message for “the entire people of Israel,” stating: “That all Jews from all across the world will come (to Israel), all of them. And we shall be stronger. We are not afraid of anyone. The Jew will never disappear from the world.”
The pageant itself was organized by the Helping Hand organization, which helps thousands of the estimated 200,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel.
Berkowitz’s words are indicative of her amazing strength and fortitude. Whenever we’re having a bad day, we’ll remember to be strong and unafraid.
Don’t forget to watch the short video below:
“Miss Holocaust Survivor” Winner CrownedThe third annual “Miss Holocaust Survivor” pageant just crowned 83 year-old Rita Berkowitz.
Posted by HuffPost Women on Sunday, December 20, 2015
