Israeli Influencer Kim Or Azulay Embraces Motherhood Amid Backlash and Acting Success

Kim Or Azulay, a 24-year-old Israeli influencer and actress with over a decade of experience, is preparing to become a mother while navigating public scrutiny and advancing her acting career. Known since age 12 from the children’s show "The Boys and Girls," Azulay recently faced significant criticism after revealing her unborn baby's gender at an event sponsored by infant formula brand Materna and the Arkafa network. Critics accused her of promoting formula over breastfeeding before giving birth, a claim she strongly denies, emphasizing her intention to breastfeed and her frustration with the harsh online backlash, particularly from women she describes as having agendas against her.

Azulay, married to basketball player Yiftach Ziv for about a year, shared her challenges balancing public exposure and private life. Ziv is less comfortable with social media sharing, especially regarding their child, which creates tension as Azulay enjoys sharing her life online. Despite this, they support each other's careers, prioritizing work even over personal milestones like their honeymoon. Azulay also discussed her mental health, noting therapy helps her cope with the pressures of public life and impending motherhood.

Professionally, Azulay stars in the new Israeli film "Hill 338," a tribute to the classic "Hill of Halfon," acting alongside prominent figures like Shahar Hason and Eli Yatzpan. She delayed pregnancy to focus on this pivotal role, which will also be adapted into a TV series on Keshet 12. Additionally, she appears in Avi Nesher’s "Our Loves," a film intertwined with events of October 7, where she experienced real-life sirens during filming, triggering anxiety.

Azulay reflects on her journey from early influencer stigma to gaining respect as a serious actress and entrepreneur in fashion. She acknowledges the evolving legitimacy of social media careers and embraces her multifaceted identity. She also expresses pride in her pregnancy, feeling more feminine and confident than ever, and plans to return to her athletic lifestyle post-birth. Azulay remains cautious about sharing political or religious views online due to their divisiveness but openly embraces her Jewish identity in a personal way.

Looking ahead, Azulay hopes to balance motherhood with her career and personal growth, aspiring to be a supportive and loving mother without losing herself. She envisions eventually pursuing her dream of acting in Hollywood once her children are older and her husband retires from basketball.