Israeli actress Gal Gadot, renowned for her role as Wonder Woman, has been a vocal supporter of her home country, Israel, especially during times of conflict. On October 7, 2023, following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, Gadot took to Instagram to express her solidarity, stating, “I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!” She also shared videos and photos of hostages held by Hamas, accompanied by the hashtag #NoHostageLeftBehind.
In a subsequent interview, Gadot reflected on the backlash she received for her stance. She expressed surprise at the volume of negative reactions and the misconceptions people held, stating, “I was shocked by the amount of hate, by the amount of how much people think they know when they actually have no idea, and also by how the media is not fair many times.” Despite the criticism, she emphasized the importance of speaking out against the atrocities committed by Hamas and rising antisemitism worldwide.
Gadot’s advocacy extended beyond social media. She, along with over 700 entertainment industry professionals, signed an open letter condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel. The letter stated, “This is terrorism. This is evil. There is no justification or rationalization for Hamas’ actions.”
Her public support for Israel has not been without consequences. At her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on March 18, 2025, protests erupted from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups, leading to a 15-minute delay. The event witnessed tensions escalating, with police intervention required when an Israeli flag was grabbed by a protester. Despite the disruptions, Gadot remained composed, expressing gratitude to her colleagues and reflecting on her journey from Israel to Hollywood.
Throughout her career, Gadot has consistently used her platform to advocate for Israel. During the 2014 Gaza War, she posted a picture praying with her daughter in support of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), expressing her prayers for Israeli citizens and soldiers while condemning Hamas as “cowards” hiding behind women and children. This post garnered both support and criticism, reflecting the polarized views on the conflict.
In 2019, Gadot publicly clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over comments about Israel’s Arab minority. After Netanyahu stated that Israel is a “nation-state” for Jews only, Gadot defended actress Rotem Sela’s call for equality for all, emphasizing the importance of peace, equality, and tolerance. Her stance received mixed reactions, with some praising her advocacy and others urging her to take a clearer political position.
Gadot’s involvement in the upcoming Disney remake of “Snow White,” set to release on March 21, 2025, has also been surrounded by controversy. The film faced backlash for its casting choices and deviations from the original story. Additionally, the differing political views of Gadot and her co-star Rachel Zegler regarding the Gaza conflict added tension to their dynamic. Despite these challenges, Gadot has focused on her role as an entertainer, expressing her desire to bring hope and light through her work.
In her advocacy, Gadot has also highlighted her strong Jewish identity. While accepting the International Leadership Award at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) conference, she spoke about her family background, noting her grandfather’s survival of the Holocaust and her father’s eighth-generation Israeli roots. She emphasized the importance of standing against rising antisemitism and advocating for humanity.
Despite facing criticism and backlash for her public support of Israel, Gadot remains steadfast in her advocacy. She continues to use her platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing her home country and to promote messages of peace and unity. Her experiences underscore the complexities public figures encounter when addressing geopolitical issues, reflecting the polarized nature of public opinion on such matters
