Jewish beauty editor ‘lost followers’ after October 7

A top beauty editor has revealed how being vocal about being Jewish or supporting Israel since October 7 has cost her followers in the industry.

Sarah Jossel, who is the beauty editor of the Sunday Times Style Magazine, told an audience at a WIZO UK event: “It has changed my relationship with the industry forever because I now know how many people really feel. It has changed my relationship with people because of what I have seen them like, post or share. Some people have not said things directly to me, but you see what they are doing.

“On Instagram, you feel it too. You see the unfollows when you post about being Jewish or about Israel.”

She added that despite the hostility, she would “never stop posting about being Jewish or supporting the Jewish community. I love supporting Jewish friends, Israeli brands and people doing brilliant work.”

Sarah Jossel (left) and Jessica Diner (Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian)Paul Hampartsoumian @paulhiphop

Jossel said that after October 7 “an incredible woman” spoke to her and other Jewish people in the beauty industry, who “came together because we felt so alone. We needed to talk and vent about the misinformation we were seeing.

“She said that in moments like this, the masks drop and you see who would be there for you when times are really hard. And that is exactly what happened.”

Jossel was in conversation with fellow Jewish beauty writer, Jessica Diner, former beauty director of Vogue. Diner said that after October 7, while among colleagues, “the masks dropped…for us, the masks went up. The best thing we can do is put our arms around each other and sit together. Knowing we have each other has been the positive takeaway from a really horrendous time.”

While Jossel and Diner didn’t name anyone in particular, the JC has previously reported that Huda Kattan, the Iraqi American founder of Huda Beauty, has shared anti-Israel conspiracy theories on social media.

Guests at the WIZO UK event (Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian)Paul Hampartsoumian @paulhiphop

Promoting her debut book, Diary of a Beauty Editor, Jossel also spoke openly about Botox, filler and the pressures women faced around ageing.

While she revealed that she has had Botox and filler, she warned against the growing online normalisation of cosmetic procedures, adding: “You are injecting something into your face. Do not go to someone because they are cheap or offering a deal.”

She also described the emotional conflict she felt while writing the chapter about injectable treatments in her book: “One voice said: ‘I am a feminist. I do not need anything done.’ Then another voice would see someone like Anne Hathaway on a red carpet and think: ‘What has she had done? I want that.’”

The audience at the sold-out event at St John’s Wood Synagogue were intrigued to hear that some ingredients in skincare injectables were derived from DNA found in salmon, with one audience member jokingly asking whether she could buy them at her local kosher fishmonger. “There is no other event or location where I’m likely to get that question,” replied Jossel.

Sarah Jossel (centre) and Jessica Diner (second from right) with guests at WIZO UK event (Photo: Paul Hampartsoumian)Paul Hampartsoumian @paulhiphop

The evening raised funds and awareness of WIZO UK’s work supporting women and families rebuilding their lives in Israel after October 7, by providing women’s shelters, education, counselling and other emotional support services.

Emma Yantin, events manager for WIZO UK said: “When we talk about rebuilding, we are not just talking about charity. We are talking about partnership, standing alongside someone and helping people build their lives again.”

The event concluded with a raffle and book signing in support of the charity.

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Topics:

October 7

WIZO UK

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