By Karla Gaona
Ofir Natalie Korsia, of Hispanic descent, was Israel's representative at Miss Universe 2024, which took place on November 16 at the Mexico City Arena.
The Israeli surprised all her followers by saying that she loves Latin music and revealed that she learned Spanish by watching series and soap operas since she was very young. With her, Israel returns to the pageant after two years of absence from Miss Universe.
Ofir Korsia is a beautiful, intelligent and talented 23-year-old girl from the city of Rishon LeTzion. She is a model, dancer and actress, and currently lives in Los Angeles, where she plans to build a prominent artistic career in Hollywood and prove that anything is possible when you are a powerful and independent woman who fights to fulfill her dreams.
Ofir is proud to represent Israel at a world-class event such as Miss Universe, even within a complex situation for the Jewish country, which has been in conflict with the Palestinians, Lebanon, and other enemy fronts for more than a year.
“It’s a responsibility, but it’s also such a big honor to be the one to bring Israel back on the map, especially at this time when the situation is so delicate. But I’m here to show all the women that no matter what country you’re from or if you’re Jewish, no matter where you’re from, you have the right to be in Miss Universe, just like all the other women. I feel like it’s my mission to be here and show that to everyone. And yes, sometimes it’s hard, but you know that from the most difficult time in my life I grew, I grew a lot and that has made me the woman I am today. So, I’m ready for anything” said Ofir.
He also works as a personal development coach and conducts social activities with people from all over the world.
In one of her interviews, Ofir said: “I feel Latina in my blood, that’s why I always wanted to learn Spanish,” with these words she moved the Latino public who supported her in the contest.
She also indicated that, feeling identified with Latin culture, she watched soap operas in Spanish from a very young age, naming some of them: Rubí and Rebelde Way, among others.
Ofir stressed that there is a very strong connection between Israel and Latinos: “We share the same joy and passion for life.”
Not everything has been rosy for Ofir, as she has received multiple messages of hate and anti-Semitism on social media, but she says that hate is fought with love, work and effort.
“We have the ability to choose and I choose to do good,” he said.
She dedicated this performance to her best friend Noah, who was murdered on October 7 at the Nova Festival in southern Israel, a heinous event that marked her life and that of the entire country.
Ofir stood out in her participation in Miss Universe and demonstrated that women are capable of anything despite adverse circumstances and reaffirmed this by sending a message of love and peace, in the midst of the harsh reality of war.
Photos: Ofir Korsia's Instagram
@ofirkorsia