Dim Amor
In an unprecedented achievement that remained under the media radar in Israel, 23-year-old Israeli model Ofek Levy won the prestigious Mister Planet 2025 title at the renowned competition held in Turkey. Levy became the first Israeli in history to win this title, while back home the public was preoccupied with internal political battles, issues in Gaza, and the Attorney General affair. The international Miss & Mister Planet 2025 competition took place in Antalya, Turkey, between November 13-18, bringing Israel one of the most prominent international honors in the beauty field this year.
The victory raises particular interest given the absence of diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey and the regional tensions. In an exclusive interview with Maakav, Levy revealed there were significant concerns and difficult considerations before the flight. "There were quite a few concerns about not flying and not participating because there are no diplomatic relations between the countries", he recounts, yet despite all concerns, he flew to Turkey. This decision led to results even he hadn't imagined: Turkish and international judges fell in love with the Israeli representative and awarded him the coveted title.
Levy, who arrived in Turkey with the support and accompaniment of Tami Eligo, described to Maakav the storm of emotions he experienced. "I struggle to describe in words the storm of emotions washing over me in these moments". "Winning the Mister Planet 2025 title in Turkey is a personal peak, but for me, it's a national mission". Levy describes intensive days with almost no sleep: meetings with producers, marathon interviews with media outlets from around the world, in-depth conversations with judges and sponsors. "I learned that this competition tested far more than external appearance", he explains, "it tested intelligence, love for others, commitment to homeland, and above all – ambition to make an impact".
The peak moment for Levy came when he stood on stage wearing a special suit designed for him by designer Raz Grofi. The suit bore Hebrew inscriptions and texts, including Song of Songs. "I prayed in my heart and felt so strong," he conveyed. "The audience, judges, and journalists understood that my love for our country is genuine and uncompromising, and as a result, their connection to the Israeli people intensified." The nationalistic suit, as he calls it, gave him mental strength on stage and reflected the Israeli pride he sought to convey.
For Levy, the moment when the winner's sash bore Israel's name and the Israeli flag was raised beside him was a moment of truth. "It was a moment when I felt the whole world was watching Israel", he says. "My heart filled with pride when I saw how many people were moved and connected to my story as an Israeli representative". At the height of the excitement, even before he could digest the victory, the competition's personal organizer approached him and invited him to be a guest of honor at a major event in Turkey next month, further proof of the success he achieved.
Levy impressed the judging panel with his stage energy, strong physique, and professional walk, becoming one of the most prominent finalists in the competition. Second place went to Dilhan Divrikli from Northern Cyprus, while Turkey's representative, Mehmed Burak Yilmazcetin, won third place, a significant achievement for him on home soil. But it was Levy who soared with the coveted title and brought the crown to Israel.
In an exclusive interview with Maakav, Levy clarified that the treatment he received in Turkey was good and respectful, with no provocation. "I'm proud to bring this honor to the State of Israel and show everyone: the moment people truly get to know us, they understand that Israel is much more than what's told. Israel is number one". Levy adds that he's happy to have had the privilege of bringing an international trophy home, and announces additional news: "Next year, the competition will take place here, in Israel, and I will of course be an integral part of the preparation team".
However, the media coverage in Turkey raised questions. While Ofek Levy's name features prominently in Turkish media outlets, which respectfully noted the Israeli representative's victory, there appears to be inconsistency in photo publication. Many Turkish magazines and websites hardly published Levy's photos, a situation that may indicate certain inequality. A person wins first place and is Mister Planet 2025, yet photos from the event show general images rather than the winner himself, a phenomenon raising questions about news coverage in Turkey.
For example, the magazine website anatoliagazetesi.com didn't bother publishing a photo of the winner, settling for a general image from the event. The Turkish website dadmedya.com also avoided publishing Levy's portrait, displaying only wide shots from the competition. Likewise, the online magazine malatyapencere.com didn't incorporate even one visual documentation of the Israeli winner. This situation may ostensibly indicate a certain degree of dismissiveness; nevertheless, one could argue the matter's importance is marginal, since Levy is anyway Mister Planet 2025, and his name appears prominently in all official publications. Additionally, the leading Turkish magazine kocaelihurkus.com also didn't see fit to publish Ofek Levy's portrait on its website.
Despite the details raising questions about media coverage, Turkish media did clearly note the victory in news reports: "In the men's category, the crown was won by Ofek Levy from Israel. This year, the winner in the Mister Planet category is Ofek Levy from Israel. Levy impressed the judging panel with his stage energy, strong physique, and professional walk, becoming one of the most prominent finalists in the competition". The victory was confirmed in official publications by competition organizers and coverage by Turkish media outlets, placing Israel at the top of the male podium at one of the year's largest international beauty events.
Mister Planet 2025, Mr. Levy, who works in modeling and acting, thanked those who helped him achieve the impressive accomplishment. "I really want to say from my heart a huge thank you to Tami Eligo, thanks to whom I reached the competition, and she supported and accompanied me throughout the journey. She helped me tremendously", he conveyed to Maakav. He added: "It's not simple to be alone in a foreign country, with so much responsibility on your shoulders". Levy also thanked designer Raz Grofi, who designed the national suit for him, and everyone who supported him along the way.
Levy sees this victory as only the beginning. "This is just the beginning, the road is still long", he declares. "I will use this title and this platform to expose the entire world to the beautiful truth about the Jewish people and our amazing country". He views the title not only as a personal honor but as a national mission to present Israel's true face to the world, especially during this complex period.
Levy's courage, at age 23 daring to fly to a hostile country and represent Israel in an international competition despite concerns and risks, stands out particularly. The suit with Hebrew inscriptions and texts, the Israeli pride he displayed on stage, and the willingness to face a complex international challenge ultimately earned recognition and appreciation. The victory in Turkey, specifically there, gives it additional meaning and shows that when Israelis dare to go out and represent the country, the results can be impressive.
Now, with the title in his hands and the promise that the competition will come to Israel next year, Ofek Levy continues his mission to show the world Israel's true face, and prove that beyond news headlines and political tensions, Israel can win recognition and appreciation through the talents and courage of its representatives.
Photos from Ofek Levy's official Facebook page – used in accordance with Section 27A of the Copyright Law.
Additionally, supporting photos are attached from various websites: anatoliagazetesi.com, malatyapencere.com, and dadmedya.com – also used in accordance with Section 27A provisions.
