Kosher Barbie: Celebrating a Zionist Birthday on International Women’s Day
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by Ayelet Raymond
Golda Meir. Photo: Wiki Commons.
On this International Women’s Day, I not only celebrate my Zionist birthday but also honor the legacy of Golda Meir, Israel’s first and only female prime minister, who served from 1969 to 1974. Known as the “Iron Lady of Israeli politics,” she embodied a spirit of resilience that continues to inspire generations in the face of rising antisemitism and growing opposition to Zionism.
As an Israeli who won Miss Universe Israel 2024, walking through the bustling streets of New York — home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel — I often engage in spirited discussions about my Zionist beliefs, which underscore the gap between Israel and America.
Often, I encounter critics of my Zionist beliefs who pose random questions when they notice my Star of David necklace. These conversations have increased since Oct. 7, 2023, as many people feel compelled to “take a side” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
For me, there are two sides: my friends are those who support my homeland, while those who cheer for our enemies are not part of my circle.
As part of my volunteer work with families of the Israeli hostages, I had the honor of participating in a historic meeting with US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and six families at the Nova Festival in Miami. Witkoff made a heartfelt promise to help them bring their loved ones home. I capture these significant moments through my social media platform “Kosher Barbie.”
Ayelet Raymond, aka Kosher Barbie, with Steve Witkoff at Nova Festival in Miami, 2025. Photo: Provided by Raymond
This experience underscored the importance of the legacy of Meir, who famously said, “Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.”
As we celebrate women’s achievements worldwide on Saturday, March 8, we are empowered by Meir’s ideals to foster genuine emotional connections to the land of Israel in the hearts of the younger generation, so they can stand against antisemitism.
Ayelet Raymond is an Israel activist, and the creative force behind the @Kosher Barbie character and social media personality.
