Gal Gadot Reaffirms Support for Israel Amid Hamas Conflict
Gal Gadot is reiterating her endorsement of Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, expressing her surprise at the backlash she faced after speaking out.
The 39-year-old actress, hailing from Petah Tikva, Israel, addressed the controversy surrounding her remarks made in the wake of the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
“I was taken aback by the level of hate and the sheer number of people who believe they understand the situation when they clearly do not. Additionally, I found the media’s portrayal to often be unfair. Hence, I felt compelled to voice my opinion,” Gadot shared in an interview with Variety prior to her Walk of Fame Ceremony on Tuesday, which was interrupted by anti-Israel protesters.
Following the attack, the actress took to social media to express her stance. On October 7, 2023, she posted, “I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot remain neutral while horrific acts of terror occur!”
Continued Advocacy and Political Silence
Gadot has persistently advocated for hostages, showcasing perspectives that differ from her “Snow White” co-star Rachel Zegler. Although she typically refrains from political commentary, Gadot articulated her reasons for breaking that silence.
“After October 7th, I usually don’t delve into politics — who cares what a celebrity thinks? I’m an artist wanting to bring joy and hope,” Gadot explained to Variety. “However, on that day, as individuals were kidnapped from their homes — men, women, children, and Holocaust survivors experiencing unimaginable horrors — I could not remain quiet.”
Protests at Walk of Fame Ceremony
Gadot’s ceremony for her Walk of Fame star was marked by interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters holding signs with slogans like “Heroes Fight Like Palestinians” and chanting against Israeli actions.
Law enforcement was present for crowd control and to maintain order, responding to clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators. Although some protesters were handcuffed, TMZ reported that ultimately, there were no arrests made.
Ongoing Controversies Surrounding “Snow White”
Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White,” featuring Gadot as the Evil Queen, has faced scrutiny for various reasons in recent years, particularly concerning the casting of Latina actress Zegler and the portrayal of the dwarves. Peter Dinklage criticized Disney for its insensitivity toward individuals with dwarfism, leading the company to alter the approach towards these characters.
This decision has spurred accusations of being overly “politically correct,” further complicating public perception of the film. As debates continue about its direction and representation, the premiere of “Snow White” has scaled back in response to concerns from cast members and others involved.
