In an unfortunate turn of events, Miss Israel beauty pageant will not be held this year which will end a run of annual competitions that started in 1950. Now, Israel will not be sending a contestant to the Miss Universe, which is all set to be held in January in the USA. The announcement was made quietly last week. In the recent years, the pageant has faced criticism for judging women on their physical appearance.

Sella Sharlin, Miss Israel 2019, also shared her views on the same as she quoted, “I think that the competition, for those who aren’t familiar with it in depth, today gives a lot of tools to anyone who is chosen. At the end of the day, this competition gives a platform and a place for women to lead, to initiate, and not necessarily to talk about beauty.”

Sharlin was on the panel of judges in the last contest and said that there have been changes made to reflect current attitudes but admitted they have not been enough and are not demonstrated in the contest itself.

The Miss Israel administration released the statement on Tuesday as they quoted, “We will not participate in the Miss Universe contest this year.” Israel hosted last year’s Miss Universe contest in the southern resort city of Eilat where Harnaaz Sandhu of India will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.