AMIR COHEN

has seen three generations grow up and now has six grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

“Maybe I will deliver a message to the entire people of Israel,” she said after receiving a tiara and blue-and-white sash from a former Miss Israel.

“That all Jews from all across the world will come to Israel, all of them...We are not afraid of anyone. Jews will never disappear from the world.”

Six million Jews were killed by the Nazis before and during World War II. About 200 000 Holocaust survivors now live in Israel, many of them looked after by organisations such as Helping Hand, another sponsor.

Some have criticised the event for appearing to cheapen the memory of those who died in the Holocaust. But participants and judges said critics were missing the point, saying the contest was about recognition and respect rather than beauty.

“We chose them by their will for life, by their energy,” said Lihi Lapid, a journalist who was among the judges.

“Each one of them mentioned the fact that she is here because she wants us to remember and to talk about it and to never forget.” – Reuters