“In Europe, I’m treated like Noa Kirel is when she walks around in Israel,” says online sensation TamarDB. “The support is insane.” The 30-year-old former Israeli phone technician-turned-online superstar’s story began just two years ago.
After working as a delivery driver for Wolt, she was involved in an accident and was offered a job at a mobile repair business, where she and her employer started posting video clips online.
“One day, he told me to just start talking. I didn’t even know what he meant. He filmed me as I was repairing a phone and posted the clip, which became an instant hit.” Today, Tamar has over 10 million followers.
“I learned the business as I went along, and now I only fix phones for my online clips,” she says. Tamar and her boss have since married.
Why do you think you’ve been so successful?
“I think people like my looks and the way I talk. My followers enjoy seeing me throw a tantrum, which is why we have millions of views. We started selling phone products and brands, and they’re doing well in Israel and abroad. I’ve also started releasing songs. I’ve always wanted to be in the spotlight and knew it would happen because I’m good at what I do, I love it and I deserve it.”
Tamar’s TikTok and Instagram accounts have millions of followers who love watching her use her long fingernails to unscrew phones, but her real dream is to have a singing career. “I’ve always believed in myself. I left home at 14 and have learned to rely only on myself after everything I’ve been through.”
Born in the desert town of Yeruham, Tamar has moved around a lot to survive. “I’m a survivor, a street cat. That’s how I got this far. I’m brave, strong, and I value myself and my life.”
Tamar said the only thing that ever brought her down was her mother’s death five years ago. “One day she cried out in pain, the ambulance came, and she was rushed into surgery and died there. I didn’t have time to say goodbye, and that broke me. After losing weight and being hospitalized, I decided I had to get better. I’m still angry that I don’t have my mother by my side. I wish she could see my success, but I’m not sure she would have survived the state of the country.”
You post a lot about your faith.
“I’ve always liked to dress provocatively and show off my body. I get a lot of criticism. I don’t apologize for my looks and won’t be judged.”
Have you noticed a difference in your following since October 7?
“This war is the hardest thing in the world. I don’t like to get into politics, but I’ve received death threats. It’s frightening, especially because people know where I work. I don’t watch much news because it’s too hard. I just pray this will end.”