Turning On The Flame With On Mekahel

White is the colour of divinity and peace. Our Hommes Cover star for L’Officiel February On Mekahel portrays what is it like to be bold and divine. “I stopped growing and I’m a short dude, so it's been hard to find my place in the fashion industry.” He said when asked about the difficulties he faced in the fashion industry.

First of all, Welcome to the L’Officiel World. You were brought up in Israel, how would you like to describe your childhood, what would be the one thing you would like to change about it?

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I had amazing life growing up. Israel is so much more than people know about and I wish to show my country through my social media and things I do because people need to know how amazing this country is. I grew up in the most loving family. I have 2 brothers and a sister and I couldn’t ask for a better support system in my life.

We see you work really hard and making your way in the fashion industry. How hard was it for you as a newcomer to make your mark in it?

It wasn’t an easy way. Especially because when I was a kid everyone thought I will be tall and I started to do modeling when I was a little boy. But unfortunately, I stopped growing and I’m a short dude, so it’s been hard to find my place in the fashion industry. I feel like I was meant to be in this place though I love it and can’t see myself not doing fashion. So, it’s definitely been an obstacle filled journey but I’m thankful for every opportunity and for being where I am today. I still have a lot of goals and dreams to fulfill!

You are an active member of the LGBTQ community, how far do you think this community has come, and what are some of the milestones that it still has to conquer?

I think that my community has made so many strides and much progress towards inclusiveness and equality. Nationwide legal gay marriage is definitely such a milestone. I do feel that where work needs to be done is a more subtle normalization of the LGBTIQQ lifestyle. So often our community is still marginalized through stereotypes and continued discrimination as it has been so ingrained in our culture to poke fun at gender identity and sexual preference.

Apart from being a model and an actor, you are an entrepreneur yourself. What difficulties did you face while establishing Mounderwear in 2016 and what are your future aspirations about the brand?

When I started the brand, I was so young, 22 years old, and an acting student /underwear model in New York. I recently moved there and was still finding my way in the city. I made a lot of mistakes along the way but I was lucky enough to have financial support on this journey from my family. I could never be where I am today without the mistakes I’ve made because they taught me some very important and difficult lessons early on. My brand evolved with the years but finally we are at a place where its where I want it to be as far as quality, the overall branding and the story behind it. The vibe has been established. I have so many exciting products coming out and it’s just getting better. Every product I put out comes with so much meticulous thinking and so much love and passion.

As gorgeous as you look, we have been awestruck after seeing your fit physique. What are some of the fitness hacks that you follow to maintain it?

First of all, thank you so much that’s so kind of you to say. I’m honestly not obsessing much about workout or diets.

I eat a lot and everything doughnuts, pizza and what’s not, food is a passion that I will never give up. But I work out 5-6 days a week and do cardio and run twice a day which is kind of my secret. Running definitely helps me shape my body and stay on the lean side.

We heard about your lovely initiatives for your community in the form of The OD Foundation, please explain to us more about the foundation and from where you got this idea?

So, the foundation idea came about with me and my husband as I met him a few weeks after he got out of prison. Our shared experience while he was on parole and how our own individual experiences while incarcerating really propelled us to want to do something for other LGBTQ+ people who are involved with the American Criminal Justice System. The corrections and judicial system still discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and do not have enough consideration for the unique challenges that they face in life and while a part of the system. We are gearing up to offer emotional support and therapeutic resources to LGBTQ + people who are currently and have been formerly incarcerated.

We can’t resist but say that you and your husband look like a match from heaven itself. How did you two meet and tell us the top three things you adore about him?

Thank you so much. we are actually an amazing match that I’m very thankful for. We met on Tinder while I was in NYC and he was across the river in New Jersey. My husband just got out of prison and was under parole supervision. Our date was at his apartment

but the moment he came down to get me and gave me a hug I told him that he’s going to be my husband. as crazy as it sounds. We never slept apart from that first night till today. We are complete opposite people and I think that’s what makes us a good couple. top three things I adore about him will be his kind loving heart, his sexy body and the fact that he is my best friend.

You also have starred as the lead in ‘Putting On’ playing yourself. How much do you think this TV show depicts you in real life?

I think it’s quite a good representation of who I am and what my life entails. Yes, there are parts of the real story we have to edit a bit for the viewers to tie together some scenes, but it is a very honest depiction of me. Season 2 also did a great job of giving viewers a glimpse of the dynamics between me and my husband.

In your exciting and tough journey from Israel to NYC, what were some of the difficulties you faced and what made you not give up?

I’m never taking no for an answer. That’s what keeps me going. I love what I do and I can’t see myself doing anything else. tv & fashion is what makes me happy. As hard as that world is, I have made it my own. I’ve had a lot of moments where I could break if it’s a sexual assault by a stylist or if its hearing from agents how I have nothing to offer. I always took a breath and remind myself that I have a lot to offer and for 1000 no’s there is a yes among them. Sometimes I have to remind myself the world is a beautiful place and there is an abundance of positive opportunity, I just need to pass some negativity and rough spots along the way.

Our L’Officiel readers would love to hear if you have something to say to them. How was your experience with us?

I love your team, so thankful that life got us connected. I also love India which is something I have wanted to say. I get so much love from you guys and I’m thankful for it and send it right back! The positivity and love give me the energy to never give up and I really hope to visit India soon to learn more about this beautiful country and culture.