Former Miss Israel Defends Public Breastfeeding and Campaigns for Missing Ethiopian-Israeli Girl

Former Miss Israel Titi Frenkel Einav has sparked backlash after posting a video of herself breastfeeding her six-month-old son, Oz, in public spaces such as a supermarket and bus stop. In an interview published June 19, 2026, she said the criticism, including racist remarks, reflects a broader lack of understanding about breastfeeding and women’s bodies. Her message is simple, she said: “If you’re uncomfortable, don’t look.”

Einav, who turns 35 in a few days and is married to businessman Tzahi Frenkel, said she grew up in Ethiopia until age 12, where public breastfeeding was normal and she had never known formula or breast pumps. She said she never intended to provoke anyone, only to show reality. “I will breastfeed where it is convenient for me and my baby,” she said, adding that she does not want people staring at her body, but also will not “go to the other side of the mall” every time her child is hungry. She described breastfeeding as natural, demanding, and full of compromises, including pumping, carrying bottles, and finding places to refrigerate milk.

She said some of the criticism aimed at her was openly racist, including comments such as, “This is not Africa, where women have everything out.” Others attacked her for breastfeeding a child who is already eating solids. Einav argued that women should do what works best for them and said the mother’s health matters first.

Beyond the breastfeeding dispute, Einav is also campaigning for Haimanot Kassau, the 11-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli girl who disappeared from a Shfaram absorption center in Tzfat two years ago. She said police have made no real progress, the family has not been updated directly, and the case was transferred to Lahav 433 in December without results. Einav believes Haimanot was kidnapped, says the first hours of the case were mishandled, and demands a special investigation team and, if needed, Shin Bet involvement. On Wednesday, she will join a march and rally in Tel Aviv for Haimanot’s return.