Holocaust survivors beauty pageant: Celebrating the undying spirit of mankind

When Miss Holocaust Survivor Beauty Pageant was introduced in 2012, it evoked both kudos and criticism from Israelis. The idea was to celebrate the undying spirit of all remarkable women who survived the genocide. Three years later and 70 years after the aftermath, 13 survivors of the tragedy have come forward to take part in the contest in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Take a look. Holocaust survivor Hava Hershkovitz, 82, a previous beauty queen in the competition, has her make-up done during preparations. (Source: Reuters)

Rivka Kushnir, 85, a Holocaust survivor, has her make-up done. (Source: Reuters)

Stela Krashes, 85, (L) a Holocaust survivor gets her eye make-up done. (Source: Reuters)

Sarah Israel, 85, a Holocaust survivor, has her hair done during preparations. (Source: Reuters)

Judith Rosenzweig, 81, (R) a Holocaust survivor. (Source: Reuters)

Holocaust survivors stand on a stage during the contest. (Source: Reuters)

Judith Rosenzweig, 81, (R) and Rivka Shtanger, 74, (L) both Holocaust survivors, walk on the runway. (Source: Reuters)

Linda Ruben, 82, (C) a Holocaust survivor. (Source: Reuters)

Rita Berkowitz, 83, a Holocaust survivor and winner of a beauty contest for survivors of the Nazi genocide, waves on a stage.

Holocaust survivors are seen backstage. (Source: Reuters)