Israeli actress Gal Gadot, renowned globally for her role as Hollywood's Wonder Woman, discussed the challenges of anti-Israel bias and antisemitism during an online event with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The Sunday evening event, "Voice of the People," aimed at "promoting Jewish unity" and was conducted in English to reach both Israelis and Jews in the diaspora.
"Fifteen years ago, being Israeli was something people admired; they were fascinated by Israel's strong women. While that's not entirely lost, the topic is now fraught and the discourse is different. I often find myself having uncomfortable conversations with people who have opinions about what's happening, trying to present them with the full picture,” Gadot said.
The world-famous actress emphasized that a united Jewish people would eventually overcome the darkness of antisemitism.
"I believe we have the power to unite and spread light, even when it's uncomfortable. We need to articulate the unpleasant truths because that's what it is – we must act to bring the hostages back; it's unthinkable they are still there. And we will overcome because that's the only way forward," Gadot vowed.
The actress stressed that she can manage anti-Israel and anti-Jewish messages.
“As a Jewish and Israeli figure, a global celebrity, I can handle it. It's okay. I want them to come home," she said, referring to the remaining 97 Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity since last Oct. 7.
Gadot emphasized that the trauma of Oct. 7 was a watershed moment in Israeli and Jewish history.
"Since October 7, life feels divided into before and after. I will always be proud of my heritage and my Israeli and Jewish identity. October 7 was a turning point for the Jewish community globally. No one anticipated such horror," she stated.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of the hostages. While we're talking here, they are in Gaza, in tunnels, enduring a hellish reality for almost a year, and it breaks my heart. Words fail to capture the horror. I am in constant contact with the families, and my heart goes out to them. There's no sense of revenge; they are filled with hope, light, and love."
Gadot told attendees of the online event that she is "the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor who always urged me to learn history, so that what happened to us never happens again. This is a very dark period, but there is so much light. We must find a way to unite.”
“We must remember Israel is the insurance policy of the Jewish people, and we must ensure Israel remains safe and strong, hoping one day it will live in peace with all its neighbors," Gadot added.
Herzog echoed Gadot's sentiments, highlighting that the Jewish nation is eternal, despite many challenges and threats.
"I believe in the eternity of Israel, in our people, in our democracy, in our army, and we are fighting against all those who seek to destroy us," Herzog said.
While Gadot has millions of fans worldwide, she is familiar with boycotts. In 2022, Kuwait banned the Agatha Christie-based movie, “Death on the Nile,” in which Gadot played a leading role.
