I’m a Fashion Designer, and I Wear My Israeli Pride

Fashion can be used to express yourself, make a statement, and show what you believe in. As a clothing designer myself, I pay attention to what I wear.

On March 14, I had the opportunity to wear something so meaningful, a literal piece of history, at the United Jewish Appeal (UJA)-Federation of New York Generosity Gala.

The corset I wore, featuring the blue Star of David on a white background, represents the tolerance and diversity of Israel, and the outfit itself has an extraordinary story.

Twenty-five years ago, this piece made history when it was the showstopper worn by Rana Raslan, the first Arab Miss Israel. When she achieved this incredible feat in 1999, Rana told her audience: “I am totally Israeli, and I do not think about whether I am an Arab or a Jew. They wanted a beauty queen, not a political queen.”

Rana is from Israel’s third largest city, Haifa, a mixed city that is at least 11% Arab, including both Muslims like Rana and Christians, as well as being the world headquarters of the Baha’i movement.

Rana proudly wore this corset when she had the chance to represent her country on a world stage, because Israel is a country of all its citizens, and about 20% of those citizens are Arabs.

In recent polling, a large majority, 70% of Israeli Arabs, said they feel part of the country. Israeli Arabs are not only citizens with full and equal rights, but they are also well represented in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and even on Israel’s Supreme Court.

Israeli Arabs have made an incredible contribution to the arts, business, technology, and all realms of Israeli society. Indeed, Israel stands out all the more as the only country in the region with full civic equality for religious minorities.

The corset was designed by the iconic Israeli fashion designer Galit Levi, whose pieces I have loved for years. Galit soared to international prominence in 1998 when she created the dress that Israeli pop sensation Dana International appeared in when she won that year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Dana International, who is transgender, blew Eurovision audiences away that year with her song “Viva la Diva,” which has become a cherished anthem for LGBTQ+ communities globally.

It’s no wonder that this stunning corset, so far ahead of its time, continues to spark interest and support, with media personality Yoav Davis calling it “the most Jewish pride outfit I’ve seen all night.” I am absolutely proud of being Jewish and love being with Jewish people and celebrating our values of charity, compassion, and inclusion. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to wear a piece that not only represents the most inclusive and democratic country in the Middle East, but also has its own unique tale to tell: a story of possibility and representation that is the hallmark of modern Israel.

Even though antisemitism is on the rise, we cannot hide. Now is the time when we must stand up and not be afraid to show off our Jewish pride in whatever form feels best, whether it’s through fashion, music, writing, social media posts, or some other form of expression you love. We must continue to show off our love for the Jewish people and for Israel, and show the world that we are here to stay.

Lizzy Savetsky works with numerous non-profit and philanthropic movements as an outspoken advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. You can find her on Instagram @lizzysavetsky.