In a June 22 contest some critics deemed “macabre,” fourteen Israeli Holocaust survivors between the ages of 74 and 97 competed for the title of “Miss Holocaust Survivor.” The contestants shared stories of survival and community involvement as part of the competition. Physical appearance was only about 10 percent of the deciding criteria. For more on bizarre beauty pageants, visit TIME’s photo gallery.
Israel Hosts Holocaust Survivor Beauty Pageant
Uriel Sinai / Getty Images
Israeli Holocaust survivors and beauty pageant contestants look on during a Holocaust survivors beauty pageant on June 28, 2012 in Haifa, Israel.
