Former Reality Star Finds Faith, Inspires Thousands Online

Yulli Oriya Ziv, formerly known as Yulli Ziv, has resurfaced online after a two-year hiatus, sharing her journey of faith and inspiring a large following. Ziv, who began her career as a young model and reality TV star, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis, which significantly altered her life.

During her recovery and rehabilitation, Ziv found a deep connection to Judaism and a spiritual path. She has since added a Hebrew name, Oriya, to reflect her newfound faith and has married her partner, Elazar Alus. The couple now resides in the settlement of Kokhav Yaakov in the West Bank.

Ziv's social media presence has transformed from showcasing her modeling career and reality show appearances to sharing content about faith, personal growth, and spiritual strengthening. She openly discusses her process of 'teshuvah' (returning to religious observance) and her embrace of Jewish tradition. Despite the shift, her online following has grown significantly, with many drawn to her authentic and hopeful messages.

She emphasizes that her content does not present a perfect life but rather a perspective focused on finding the good, even amidst challenges. Ziv aims to create a positive online space, offering an alternative to the often negative news cycle and online discourse. She believes there is a widespread yearning for faith and meaning, particularly in Israel, which she attributes to navigating difficult times and societal divisions.

Ziv sees her online activity as a form of 'kiddush Hashem' (sanctifying God's name) rather than 'ba'alateshuvah' (religious outreach), focusing on spreading the light of God authentically. She believes her message resonates with a generation seeking connection, values, and a deeper understanding of their identity, especially in the context of Israeli life.