With all the controversies surrounding the 70th edition of Miss Universe being held in Eilat, Israel, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza has broken her silence as she talked about how pageants should not be politicized. The contestants are being pressurized to drop out in solidarity with the Palestinians.

In the coming week, the contestants are expected to arrive in Israel to compete in national costumes, evening gowns and swimwear among others. However, this edition is surrounded by controversy for being held in Israel as there are boycott calls against the country over its treatment of the Palestinians.

On the same, Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza said, “Everyone with different beliefs, with different backgrounds, with different cultures, they all come together and when you are in there you forget about politics, about your religion. It’s just about embracing other women.”

Amid all the problems, Israel also hopes the pageant will draw tourists who can call it a safe destination during the pandemic. Citing COVID, Malaysia has already announced it won't send a contestant to Miss Universe 2021 while South Africa’s government said it was withdrawing support for the country's representative over her participation.

Meza said she didn't fault women who wanted to sit out this year's edition but she said she had no problem with the competition being held in Israel. Andrea, who is already in Israel, strutted through the mostly empty alleyways.

On being asked to offer a solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, Andrea said she didn't believe in violence and that communication was key. “People have to make compromises and I really hope that we can make this through talking and conversation,” she concluded.