Miss Universe

Sarah Idan and Adar Gandelsman discuss their famous selfie

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, a woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

Few people are wondering what Eilat looks like; many more are wondering why Israel allowed an international beauty pageant to take place within its borders while it is not allowing foreigners entry.

The Miss Universe contestants modeled clothes at Haboydem, a secondhand clothing store and women’s rehabilitation center that shines a spotlight on social projects in Jerusalem.

POP CULTURE AFFAIRS: While Americans enjoyed the pageant after dinner in prime time, the gathered live audience had to pull an all-nighter to see and support their favorite contestants.

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Contestants participated in a series of competitions including swimsuit, evening-wear and rounds of questions.

The event, attended by women from areas of real estate, food or hi-tech, and was designed to show Israelis the real beauty of the state through women's rights activism.

Israel’s Tourism Ministry worked to pour in a lot of money and effort into making this production high quality. But for the government, there’s another focus as well.

The 2018 Eurovision winner cited her dislike of judging women by their body size, height, and weight as her reason for turning down the invitation to perform.

The Miss Universe pageant will take place on December 12 in Eilat and will be broadcast around the world.