Gal Gadot's voice quivered with emotion as she stood at the gala podium on Thursday night, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Addressing a crowd of 1,300 gathered by United Hatzalah of Israel, she implored them to remember the 48 Israeli hostages still held captive since the harrowing Nova Music Festival massacre on October 7. "As we stand here tonight, we cannot forget those 48 souls trapped in Gaza," Gadot said, her voice breaking as she fought back tears, a poignant moment captured in a video from the event. "Their safe return must remain our most urgent prayer and our shared mission."
Her impassioned plea came after the celebrated actress, known for her roles as Wonder Woman and Snow White, expressed her profound honor at being present to support a cause that resonated deeply with the core values of the Jewish people. United Hatzalah, an Israeli volunteer-based emergency medical services organization, is renowned for its swift on-the-ground response teams that rush to aid those in dire need. "At its heart, this organization embodies compassion, the choice of life, and the unwavering support we offer one another in times of crisis," Gadot remarked.
She continued, "I was raised with values of kindness, courage, and responsibility—values deeply ingrained in Judaism. Every day, I witness these same values alive and thriving in our people, who refuse to succumb to fear or hatred, choosing instead hope, action, and humanity. I've always believed in the power of peace and coexistence. What truly moves me about United Hatzalah is its ability to unite people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds in a singular, sacred mission: to save lives. Jews, Muslims, Christians, men, and women from every walk of life—all come together in those critical moments that define our humanity."
The current climate is undeniably sensitive. Amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict, thousands of film industry workers have joined a pledge spearheaded by Film Workers for Palestine, calling for a boycott of Israeli film institutions "implicated in genocide and apartheid" against the Palestinian people. "In late August, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), after a thorough examination of the concept of genocide, declared the current situation in Gaza as genocide," Javier Bardem told The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday, explaining his support for the initiative. "That's why we demand a commercial and diplomatic blockade, along with sanctions on Israel, to halt this genocide. Free Palestine."
However, Gadot chose not to delve deeply into this contentious issue during her podium speech. Instead, she shifted her focus to the evening's mission: honoring Nova Music Festival survivor and Eurovision sensation Yuval Raphael. Presenting the singer with a Hero Award from United Hatzalah, Gadot said, "Tonight, we honor someone who exemplifies immense strength. Yuval could have been defined by tragedy, but she chose to transform her pain into purpose. This year, she carried Israel's voice to the world at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. She didn't just secure second place; she stood as a beacon for every person who has known fear, endured loss, and reminded us that resilience can outshine hatred. Through her voice, she gave millions a reason to hope, to heal, and to believe again. In a time of escalating division, antisemitism, and pain, Yuval reminded us that we are more than what seeks to break us. Her strength teaches us that even in the darkest night, a new dawn is always within reach."
