These women show that joy can come from even the darkest of experiences.

They are taking part in the Miss Holocaust Survivor Beauty Pageant - an event now in its third year that’s held for survivors of the genocide enacted by Nazi Germany.

The 13 women showed off their mature beauty at the event in Haifa, Israel, as they competed to take the crown as the nation’s most striking senior citizen.

These women are taking part in the Miss Holocaust Survivor Beauty Pageant - an event now in its third year that’s held for survivors of the Nazi genocide

The 13 women showed off their mature beauty at the event in Haifa, Israel, as they competed to take the crown as the nation’s most striking senior citizen

The event is organised by the International Christian Embassy, an evangelical group that supports Israel, in collaboration with a charity for Holocaust survivors

Holocaust survivor Hava Hershkovitz, 82, a previous beauty queen in the competition, has her make-up done during preparations for the contest

Critics claim the pageant exploits vulnerable elderly people by putting them on show for entertainment

It is organised by the International Christian Embassy, an evangelical group that supports Israel, in collaboration with a charity for Holocaust survivors.

The aim is to boost the self-esteem of the women involved by bringing a touch of glamour to their lives.

While the contestants are certainly encouraged to look their best in sparkling ballgowns, officials say the event is meant to celebrate inner beauty as well.

The aim of the Miss Holocaust Survivor Beauty Pageant is to boost the self-esteem of the women involved by bringing a touch of glamour to their lives

The competition was won by Rita Berkowitz, 83, pictured here celebrating her triumph

Rivka Kushnir, 85, a Holocaust survivor, waits backstage

Many of the women are now fairly infirm, and have little opportunity to dress up at formal events.

In the run-up to the event, the 13 finalists were given the use of make-up artists and hairdressers.

It was eventually won by Rita Berkowitz, 83.

While the women involved seemed delighted to have been invited to the pageant, not everyone is so positive.

Critics claim the pageant exploits vulnerable elderly people by putting them on show for entertainment.

'I'm not sure I'm happy with this beauty pageant because pageants objectify women and also because there is a sensational dimension,' Dalia Sivan, of Holocaust survivors' charity of Amcha, told USA Today. 'The survivors' suffering is on display in a very public way.'

Rivka Kushnir, 85, a Holocaust survivor, has her make-up done

Judith Rosenzweig, 81, was one of the 13 taking part in the competition