Arab-Israeli Woman Wins Israel’s ‘Master Chef’

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
An Arab-Israeli microbiologist from northern Israel won the fourth season of Israel’s reality show “Master Chef.”
Dr. Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, a 33-year-old mother of three, was crowned the winner of Israel’s most-watched television show on Sunday night. She appeared in the final with Ido Kronenberg of the central Israeli city of Savyon, and Meseret Woldimikhal, an immigrant to Israel from Ethiopia.
Atamna-Ismaeel called winning the contest “one of the most exciting experiences of my life.”
She said she would use her winnings to open a Jewish-Arab cooking school for students from throughout the country.
Last week’s Master Chef semi-final was watched by 37.8 percent of Israeli households, according to Haaretz.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
