The bustling streets of Toronto became the backdrop for a shocking incident of alleged discrimination. Miriam Mattova, a 33-year-old model and former Miss Slovakia, found herself abruptly ejected from an Uber ride, the reason chillingly revealed to be her Jewish faith.
On November 30th, Mattova was on Dundas Street, sharing details of a recent, deeply moving mission trip to Israel with a friend over FaceTime. The conversation, a recounting of witnessing the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, was cut short by the driver’s sudden and forceful braking.
“I immediately ended my call and asked why they were stopping,” Mattova recounted. “They told me they felt uncomfortable with me in the car.” The explanation that followed was stark and unsettling: the driver, according to Mattova, simply stated they “don’t drive Jewish people.”
Left stranded at a busy intersection, Mattova and the friend who had booked the ride immediately filed detailed complaints with Uber. The incident struck a profound chord, challenging Mattova’s long-held belief in Canada as a welcoming and diverse nation.
Mattova’s journey to Israel in early November had been a deeply impactful one. She visited Kibbutz Be'eri, a community ravaged by the Hamas-led attacks, and spoke with Ofir Engel, a former hostage who endured unimaginable trauma.
This wasn’t an isolated event for Mattova. She revealed that she has faced antisemitism previously in Canada, fueling her determination to speak out and confront the rising tide of hatred. She emphasized that addressing such incidents isn’t about seeking victimhood, but about establishing clear boundaries and defending truth.
Her lawyer, Howard Levitt, stated that they are seeking a formal apology from Uber, the termination of the driver’s contract, and a donation to an Israeli charity of Mattova’s choosing. They also demand that all Uber drivers acknowledge a strict no-discrimination policy.
Levitt expressed frustration with Uber’s response, claiming the company has refused to address the demand for the driver’s termination, citing privacy concerns that he deems “absolute nonsense.” He believes a responsible company would be eager to publicly denounce such behavior.
Mattova’s experience has ignited a call for accountability, not only for the driver involved but also for the larger platform that facilitated the incident. She hopes her story will inspire others to stand against all forms of religious and community-based hatred.
The company stated they are reviewing the incident and have been in contact with both the rider and the driver. They affirmed that discrimination has no place on their platform and that they are taking the concerns seriously, claiming to have taken “appropriate action.”
