Full Breakdown
Jewish Model Expelled from Uber After Mentioning Israel
12/8/2025, 6:18:26 AM
Incident Overview
On November 30, 2023, Miriam Mattova, a 33-year-old Slovak-Canadian model and former Miss Slovakia, reported an incident of alleged antisemitism involving an Uber driver in Toronto. After a friend booked her a ride home, Mattova began a FaceTime conversation during which she mentioned her recent trip to Israel. The driver abruptly stopped the vehicle at a busy intersection and demanded that she exit, stating that she did not feel “comfortable” continuing the ride and adding, “they do not drive Jewish people.”
Response from Uber
Following the incident, Mattova exited the vehicle and ordered another ride. Both she and her friend filed complaints with Uber. On December 4, Uber contacted Mattova via email and phone, apologizing for her experience and refunding the fare. The company stated it was “following up with this driver to try to ensure an incident like this does not occur again.” However, Uber did not disclose the specific actions taken against the driver or whether the driver remained active on the platform.
Criticism of Uber's Response
Mattova expressed concern over the four-day delay in Uber's response, emphasizing that “a serious incident involving hate should trigger immediate action within 24 hours.” She described her experience as a direct act of antisemitism and stressed the importance of confronting such moments openly. Her lawyer, Howard Levitt, has called for Uber to terminate its relationship with the driver and ensure that all drivers adhere to non-discrimination standards.
Broader Implications
Mattova's experience highlights the rising concerns of antisemitism in Canada, particularly in the wake of recent global events. She has been vocal about her advocacy for Israel and has drawn parallels between her grandmother's warnings as a Holocaust survivor and the current climate of hate. Mattova aims to raise awareness about the normalization of such behavior, insisting that small acts of hate must not be overlooked.
Official Statements
In a statement to the National Post, an Uber spokesperson condemned the driver’s actions as “unacceptable,” reiterating that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected while using the service. The spokesperson confirmed that the company had taken “appropriate action” against the driver, although specifics were not provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The incident I experienced was a direct act of antisemitism, and the reason I’m speaking about it is because moments like this must be confronted openly.” — Miriam Mattova, Model
- “A serious incident involving hate should trigger immediate action within 24 hours. Anything less allows prejudice to just go unchecked. Basically, it took them four days to get back to me,” — Miriam Mattova, Model
- “Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected when using Uber,” — Uber Spokesperson
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to discrimination and the importance of addressing such issues promptly and effectively.
