Na'ama Kesari voted Israel's first 'Survivor'

The tribe had spoken for the last time, shocking everyone; 30-year-old Na'ama Kesari crowned Israel’s first 'Survivor'

Reuters | Published: 05.18.08, 14:24

Na’ama Kesari, a cosmetician from Carmiel, was crowned Saturday night as the winner of the first season of the Israeli version of the groundbreaking reality TV show "Survivor".

Kesari wasn’t the contestant most people betted on. Her opponents in the finals, Noam Tor and Dan Mano were considered stronger, and the general consensus was that Noam, a beekeeper from the Hofit community, would be victorious.

However, just before the jurors were to make their final decision, Na’ama managed to convince them that she was the deserving candidate. Kesari received a grand prize worth NIS 1 million, including a jeep and cash.

Contestants congratulate the winner (Photo: Yaron Brenner)

The wrap-up of the show was quite the shocker, as Kesari was the least popular of the three finalists, both in the viewers text message voting and among the live audience.

The jurors, who were made up of former contestants, conspired behind the scenes and ultimately left Israel dumbstruck, especially since many believed the results were determined in advance.

Kesari, who received a lot of criticism for leaving a sick father and a seven-month-old child for an adventure on a deserted island, said she wanted to contribute some of her earnings to charity.

Kesari added that she is "convinced that her son will be proud of her some day".