Miriam Mattova, a Jewish Slovakian-Canadian model and former Miss Slovakia, recounted an incident that occurred on November 30, 2023, when she was removed from an Uber vehicle by the driver after she mentioned her recent trip to Israel during a FaceTime call. The driver abruptly stopped the car at a busy intersection and stated that she did not feel 'comfortable' with Mattova in the vehicle, explicitly stating that she does not drive Jewish people.

Following the incident, Mattova ordered another Uber and reported the driver's actions to the company. Uber responded four days later, apologizing for her experience and indicating that they would follow up with the driver to prevent similar occurrences. Mattova expressed concern over the delay in response, emphasizing that incidents of hate should prompt immediate action to prevent the normalization of discrimination.

In a statement, an Uber spokesperson acknowledged the unacceptability of discrimination and assured that appropriate action was taken regarding the driver, although specific details were not disclosed. Mattova criticized Uber for not confirming whether the driver remained active on the platform, citing privacy rights as a reason for the lack of transparency.

Mattova has been vocal against antisemitism since the October 7 attacks in Israel, which resulted in significant loss of life and hostages taken by Hamas. She has utilized her platform to raise awareness about antisemitism, drawing parallels between her experiences and the historical narratives shared by her Holocaust-survivor grandmother. Her advocacy includes participation in initiatives aimed at providing aid in Israel and confronting antisemitism in various forms.

The incident reflects broader societal issues regarding discrimination and the responsibilities of corporations like Uber to ensure the safety and respect of all users. Similar incidents have been reported in other locations, indicating a pattern of antisemitic behavior that necessitates ongoing vigilance and action against hate.