Miss Israel 2013 Comes to Hillel UW

Jewish National Fund and Hillel UW are so excited to bring Yityish “Titi” Aynaw to share her incredible story and journey. In 2013, Titi became the first Israeli-Ethiopian to win the Miss Israel title, opening the door for other Ethiopian models and causing advertisers and the media to reassess their attitudes towards black models inside and of Israel. The win brought pride to the Ethiopian community, and she is considered one of their leading role-models and advocates.

This event will be open to the public and all UW students are welcome. Ethiopian Food will be provided. Q&A to follow.

Born in the Gondar province of Ethiopia, Titi always dreamed of moving to Israel. Her father died when she was a toddler, and when she was 12 her mother died as well after a long illness. Titi and her brother moved to Israel soon after and lived with their grandparents in Netanya. She studied at a high school for religious girls near Haifa and was elected President of the student council there. She recently founded and helps fund the “Titi Project,” which provides extracurricular activities and enrichment to 66 Ethiopian kids from disadvantaged backgrounds in Netanya.