"It's flattering, it opens doors, and above all - I see representing Israel as a kind of mission"

Omer Halbi, a natural bodybuilder, will be the first Israeli to compete in the "Mr. Universe" contest in the United States. In an interview, he talks about how he gave up Ritalin, the mission of representing Israel, and his desire to speak with representatives from Iran and Lebanon.

Omer Halbi, a 23-year-old model and fitness coach from the town of Meitar, will be the first Israeli ever to participate in the "Mr. Universe" contest, the male counterpart to "Miss Universe," to be held at the end of the month in the United States. Halbi, a natural bodybuilder, recounts how as a teenager he gave up Ritalin, dealt with attention deficit disorder and aggression, and transitioned to the fitness world that became his profession. He sees representing Israel in the competition as a kind of mission and hopes to speak with representatives from Iran and Lebanon who will also participate, in order to present "the good Israeli." Halbi faces antisemitic reactions online but is not afraid, and plans to continue competing after the event, aiming to become the "champion of champions" in natural bodybuilding.

"It's flattering, it opens doors, and above all - I see representing Israel as a kind of mission"