Bar Refaeli

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3 Mar 2024

Bar Refaeli

Bar Refaeli, born on 4 June 1985, is an accomplished Israeli model, television host, businesswoman, and actress. She has earned recognition as one of the most successful international models hailing from Israel. Refaeli achieved widespread fame by gracing the cover of the prestigious 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Notably, she secured the top spot on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 list in 2012.

In addition to her modeling career, Bar Refaeli has ventured into the realm of television hosting. Since 2013, she has been the host of The X Factor Israel, showcasing her versatility and expanding her presence in the entertainment industry. Her hosting talents were further highlighted when she co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv.

Beyond her on-screen roles, Refaeli has made a mark in business and investments, contributing to her financial success. In 2015, her net worth was estimated at an impressive US$20 million. Her achievements extend to being recognized as the highest-paid model in Israel according to Forbes Israel in 2013.

Bar Refaeli's multifaceted career, spanning modeling, television hosting, business, and acting, has solidified her status as a prominent figure not only in the Israeli entertainment industry but also on the global stage.

Bar Refaeli was born and raised in Hod HaSharon, Israel, into a secular Jewish family. Her first name, in Hebrew, signifies wild in the sense of wilderness, while her surname, literally translated, means my God heals, derived from the biblical angel Raphael. Born to parents who were both native to Israel, Bar Refaeli's grandparents had roots in Italy, Lithuania, and Poland, and they were Jewish immigrants. Notably, her grandparents were survivors of the Holocaust.

Her father, Refael Rafi Refaeli, had a background as a former owner of a horse stable, and her mother, Tzipora "Tzipi" Levine, was a model during the 1970s under her maiden name. Bar Refaeli has two younger brothers: On Refaeli, who is an actor and model, and Dor Refaeli, who has pursued entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has an older half-brother named Neil Ben-Porat, from her mother's previous marriage to Israeli businessman Yehousha Shuki Ben-Porat. The diverse backgrounds and family history contribute to the rich tapestry of Bar Refaeli's heritage.

Bar Refaeli's journey in modeling began at the tender age of eight months when she made her debut in commercials. However, her modeling pursuits were briefly interrupted at the age of 12 due to orthodontic treatment, only to resume at the age of 15. Her outstanding contributions to the Israeli fashion scene were recognized in 2000 when she received the Model of the Year award at an Israeli fashion awards ceremony.

Throughout her career, Refaeli has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. She played prominent roles in campaigns for renowned brands such as Castro and Pilpel, and she even starred in a Milky pudding commercial. Her presence has graced the pages of prestigious publications, including Elle, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, L'Officiel, GQ, i-D, and Allure, appearing in editorials and covers for various international editions.

Bar Refaeli's versatility extends to her participation in advertising campaigns for a diverse array of brands such as Chanel, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and many more. She has become the face of numerous fashion and non-fashion brands, showcasing her broad appeal.

In 2007, Refaeli made history as the second Israeli model to feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, followed by a cover appearance in the 2009 edition. Southwest Airlines even honored her by painting an image from the shoot on the side of one of its aircraft. This move stirred some controversy, with some passengers expressing discomfort with what they considered a provocative image.

Bar Refaeli's influence goes beyond the fashion world. She has been recognized with awards such as the World Style Award presented by the Women's World Awards for her natural elegance, sense of style, and compassion. Additionally, she has made appearances in various press conferences and events related to the fashion industry.

Bar Refaeli has demonstrated her versatility by venturing into the world of television and film. In 2005, she co-starred in the Israeli TV drama series Pick Up. Her television endeavors continued in October 2008 when she co-hosted the Bravo special program "Tommy Hilfiger Presents Ironic Iconic America," based on the book Ironic Iconic America by George Lois. Building on this, Refaeli returned as a program host in 2009 for MTV's brief revival of House of Style.

In 2009, Refaeli showcased her judging abilities as a guest judge on Project Runway Israel. Her involvement in the entertainment industry expanded to the big screen in 2011 when she starred in the American-Israeli film Session, directed by Haim Bouzaglo. The film, a psychological thriller, revolves around the story of a manipulative psychiatrist who becomes fixated on a new young patient.

Her role as a guest judge extended to Germany, where she participated in cycle four of Germany's Next Topmodel, hosted by Heidi Klum. In November 2012, she initiated her own model casting show, Million Dollar Shootingstar, on the German TV channel Sat.1.
Refaeli's theatrical talents came to the forefront in late 2012 when she played the titular role in Cinderella, a musical adaptation staged for Chanukkah in Israel. Transitioning to the American audience, she appeared in Go Daddy's Super Bowl XLVII commercial in January 2013.

In the same year, Refaeli took on the role of a host for the first season of The X Factor Israel, a move that proved immensely successful, making it the most popular music show in Israel. Her involvement continued in 2015 when she returned for season two. Additionally, she played a starring role in the French-Israeli crime-caper film Kidon in 2013, portraying a Mossad assassin involved in eliminating a terrorist.Bar Refaeli's foray into television and film showcases her versatility and ability to excel in various entertainment mediums, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent.

Bar Refaeli has actively engaged in various philanthropic and environmental initiatives, showcasing her commitment to social causes. Notably, she participated in a campaign aimed at reducing the use of plastic bags in Israel, contributing to environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.

In 2009, Refaeli took on a leadership role in an unpaid campaign for the Israel Water Authority. The campaign aimed to educate the public about water use and conservation, emphasizing the importance of responsible water management.Beyond environmental causes, Refaeli has shown her support for the LGBTQ+ community. On 7 June 2013, she hosted a beach party in Tel Aviv for participants of Tel Aviv Pride, which is the city's gay pride parade. Her involvement in events like these underscores her commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse communities.

In November 2013, Bar Refaeli spoke out in favor of legislation for civil marriages in Israel. This stance was part of her support for a proposed Knesset bill advocating for civil marriages, contributing to the ongoing discourse on civil rights and marriage laws in the country.Refaeli's involvement extended to sports and cultural events as well.

She hosted the closing ceremony for the 2017 Maccabiah Games in Latrun, Israel, on 18 July 2017. The Maccabiah Games, also known as the Jewish Olympics, bring together Jewish athletes from around the world to compete in various sports, promoting unity and camaraderie.Bar Refaeli's active participation in these initiatives reflects her dedication to making positive contributions to environmental causes, social issues, and cultural events in her home country, Israel.