Resonant visit of Miss Israel 2026 to the US – what happened

The winner of the title "Miss Israel 2026" Daniel Yablonska during a visit to New York refused a meeting with Mayor Zoran Mamdani due to his criticism of Israel. Instead, she held talks with city council member Eric Dinowitz, discussing the rise of antisemitism and support for the Jewish community. The model also met with state representative Michael Novakhov and participated in Fashion Week.

The winner of the title "Miss Israel 2026" Daniel Yablonska made an official visit to New York, attracting attention from both social columns and political circles. The main event was her principled refusal to meet with the city's mayor Zoran Mamdani. The initiative for negotiations came from the model's team, but she made a conscious decision to decline the offer, emphasizing that she does not intend to participate in a PR stunt by someone who does not support her country. The decision was made against the backdrop of Mamdani's controversial statements during the election campaign and his administration's criticism of pro-Israel events. Instead of meeting with the mayor, Yablonska held talks with New York City Council member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the Jewish caucus. They discussed the sharp rise in antisemitism in the city and methods of supporting Jewish youth, students, and healthcare workers. Dinowitz praised the model's visit, noting its importance in countering the demonization of Israel. Yablonska also met with New York State representative Michael Novakhov and participated in Fashion Week shows in Manhattan. The model stated that she considers her main task to be openly representing her people on global platforms.