MAIA-GILI ARAVA | ‏‏מאיה-גילי ערבה

Hi, I’m Maia-Gili (I mostly go by Gili!)

I’m 24 years old, a model, performer, and a proud recent graduate from Reichman University, where I studied Political Communications. I was born in Israel but raised between countries, cultures, and continents, which gave me a global perspective from a young age. That kind of upbringing taught me the beauty of difference and the power of human connection - things I carry with me into everything I do.

The performing arts have been part of my life since I can remember. Dance, theater, music - these were my safe spaces growing up, especially during hard times. They allowed me to express emotions I couldn’t always put into words. 

That’s why I’m so passionate about Arts Saves Lives, a program I was once a student in and now proudly work with. They provide free access to the performing arts for underprivileged youth, giving kids the chance to find themselves and be seen ,just like I once did. It’s more than just art; it’s healing, and sometimes it’s survival.

I also actively support the Kidney Donor Foundation — a cause that lives in my heart. My grandmother is currently living with kidney failure and undergoes dialysis several times a week. Watching someone I love fight quietly and bravely through something so difficult has opened my eyes to what resilience really looks like. Through my involvement, I try to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to be a voice for patients and families navigating the emotional rollercoaster of chronic illness.

In all the spaces I’m lucky enough to move through — whether it’s in front of the camera, on stage, or behind the scenes — I carry a mission: to amplify stories of resilience, to be a light in someone’s day, and to remind people that softness and strength can live in the same heart. I believe in turning pain into purpose and using my platform to spread compassion, joy, and truth wherever I can

Personal Goals: 

My goal in the Miss Israel competition goes far beyond the crown or the title. For me, it’s about standing for something real, using this platform to shine a light on stories that often go unheard. I want to represent people who’ve had to fight quietly, love loudly, and keep going even when it was hard. I want to be a voice for young girls who’ve ever felt like they were too different, too emotional, too sensitive, too “much” , because those are the same things that make us powerful.

I hope to bring visibility to causes that have shaped me. I want to use this opportunity to speak for families navigating illness, grief, and resilience with dignity. I also want to spotlight the healing power of the arts, especially for kids who grow up in environments where their voices are silenced before they’ve had a chance to find them.

But most of all, I want to show that beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about purpose. It’s about compassion, strength, and the courage to keep your heart open in a world that sometimes teaches you to close it. I want people to see me and feel a little less alone.