As Miss Israel World International born and raised in Jerusalem, I often feel like I carry the country on my shoulders. Many people might think a connection to Israel begins — and ends — at Ben-Gurion Airport. For me, it extends beyond its borders, as an Israeli engaging with local Jewish communities abroad.
US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Erin Molan at the IAC Summit, January 2026. Photo credit: Ayelet Raymond (Kosher Barbie)
I experienced this firsthand last month when I walked into a crowded ballroom at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, and heard Hebrew spoken with American, Russian, and even Spanish accents. That’s when I realized something simple but profound: Israel doesn’t only live in Israel. It lives in its people.
Ayelet Raymond aka Kosher Barbie- Miss Israel 2025, Miss World International. IAC Summit January 2026. (Photo courtesy: Ayelet Raymond)
Attending the IAC’s 10th annual gathering of Israeli-Americans and diaspora Jews felt less like a conference and more like stepping into a family reunion I hadn’t even known existed. While the world debates Israel on screens and stages, what stood out to me were the small, human moments: a mother translating Hebrew slang for her American-born daughter; college students comparing notes about campus antisemitism; and volunteers helping displaced Israeli families, supporting hostage families, and aiding wounded IDF soldiers from the war in Gaza.
One of the highlights for me was a conversation with Tal Shuster, the Co-Chair of the IAC National Board. She shared a story that stayed with me: years ago, a young couple met at one of their events, later married, had a baby, and returned to this year’s gathering as a family. It was a simple story, but it captured exactly what I saw throughout the Summit — how communities help Jews connect, grow, and maintain their identity across generations.
Culture and identity were also on full display. Today, many Jews feel pressure to hide their Jewishness and Israeliness in public spaces. That’s why watching Israeli performers, like Guy Huchman, joke and speak freely on an American stage was unexpectedly emotional for me. His authentic Israeli humor and bold presence felt like an act of resilience — especially after his shows in New York and Los Angeles were recently canceled due to protests by pro-Hamas groups.
On the final night, I was invited on stage by Israeli pop icon Ivri Lider. Singing alongside him as a former Hasidic girl, I felt as if the story of my life had stitched itself together in a single moment — from Jerusalem’s traditional ‘niggunim’ to contemporary pop music. I joined thousands of participants in singing Hebrew lyrics — some fluent, others learning the melody as they sang along.
As an Israeli living in New York, I feel the importance of highlighting Israel’s survival—advocating against antisemitism through language, humor, music, and friendship. It is pride in a people who refuse to abandon their Jewish identity, even when oceans, politics, and wars try to separate us.
From Jerusalem to New York, from language to laughter, Israel lives wherever its people carry it in their hearts because Israel is not alone.
Ayelet Raymond is a film and musical director who lives in New York City. She collaborated with young Broadway performers to create the American children’s television show “My Hebrewland.” She is the creative force behind the Kosher Barbie character and social media personality @kosher_Barbie.