Since model Mishel Gerzig began dating the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in 2021, she has split her time between Israel and Spain. The October 7 war and the birth of their daughter made travel to Israel less frequent, but she says her heart remains here. "The food, the family, the people, the atmosphere, I miss it all,” she said. This is her first visit home in nearly a year.
Chosen to front the new ICON VEIL fragrance by the Jade brand, Gerzig arrived on set in a violet dress, radiating glamour. In a brief interview, she opened up about the rise in antisemitism in Spain, which has slightly eased since the end of the war, including a last-minute event cancellation because of her Israeli identity, as well as her newly released single.
“I hadn’t been in Israel for a year. That's crazy. I didn’t even realize it; life moves so fast. As it's been so long, I felt I had to come."
This might be your reality for years to come?
“I hope not. I really want to be more consistent and come a lot more often. Of course, this past year was especially complicated. There were times I planned to come but couldn’t. I’m hoping things will settle down so I can start coming more regularly.”
Now that the war has somewhat subsided, what does it feel like in Spain?
“The situation there has eased a bit, and I want to believe it’ll keep improving. But things still happen. I’ve come across big, loud protests in the center of town; it's unpleasant as they are pretty large and loud, and I don’t think anyone finds them easy to be around. It’s sometimes dangerous. I even saw in the news that locals were actually glad about them. I hope that diminishes."
Gerzig recalled the cancellation of a major magazine cover shoot at the start of the October 7 war and how overall work opportunities have declined.
“It’s not anything specific, just fewer opportunities. Recently, I was supposed to attend an event. I had the dress ready, and everything was set. Then at the last minute, they said, ‘Mishel is Israeli, maybe it’s better she doesn’t come’, so as not to provoke or upset anyone. I said, ‘Why should I be the one to stay away? If it bothers someone, they can just close their eyes'."
“Eventually, I didn’t go. It was very sad and painful that they gave in to that. Thibaut was furious. Wow, his Israeli side really came out. He was so angry. But what can you do? No one prepares you for situations like that. He got mad, then calmed down, and we moved on."
How long are you staying in Israel?
“I always come for a limited time because I want to get back home to Eli, but this time I’m staying a bit longer to spend time with friends and enjoy the food I miss so much. It feels nostalgic, like when I used to live in Tel Aviv. It’s really awesome."
Is it hard being away from your daughter?
“I miss her terribly. It’s very hard. I’m extremely connected to her."
Are you thinking about having another child?
“It’s something we’re talking about. We’ll be happy when it happens. We’re still young and enjoying our time with Eli. When the time is right, it’ll happen."
You recently released a song. Is this a new career path or just for fun?
“I didn’t plan it, it just happened. I’ve always loved music. I took voice lessons in high school but dropped it. Then, after Eli was born, I started singing to her and remembered how much I loved it. Everyone around me, family, friends, Thibaut, said, ‘Mishel, this is the time, go for it.’ It felt weird. I’m 28, and I'm not sure it's right. But they really encouraged me. So I went to the studio just for fun, no pressure, just to see what would happen."
“We ended up writing a song with an amazing team. It’s fun and upbeat; we loved it so much and decided to release it. I was terrified of the reaction. I didn’t know how people would take it, but I got so much love and positive feedback. It really filled me up."