Gal Gadot Addresses Backlash Over Her Stance on Hamas Attack, Urges Jewish Community to Confront Antisemitism
Israeli actress Gal Gadot is facing intense scrutiny and criticism for her outspoken stance against the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In a recent interview, Gadot expressed her shock at the vitriol she has encountered for her unwavering support of Israel and condemnation of the terrorist act.
Gadot, known for her roles in "Wonder Woman" and the upcoming "Snow White" remake, emphasized that speaking out about the attack, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the abduction of numerous hostages, was paramount to remaining silent, even if it meant facing controversy.
"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. So I had to speak up," Gadot told Variety, ahead of receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On the day of the attack, Gadot took to Instagram to express her solidarity with Israel, stating, "I stand with Israel, you should too. The world cannot sit on the fence when these horrific acts of terror are happening!" Since then, she has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about the hostages still held captive by Hamas, using the hashtag #NoHostageLeftBehind.
Gadot further demonstrated her commitment by spearheading a Hollywood screening of Israeli Defense Forces footage documenting the atrocities committed on October 7. She also publicly criticized the international community for its perceived failure to address the sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women during the attack.
"We claim we stand against rape, violence against women," Gadot wrote in a social media post. "We will not let women be victimized and then silenced. We say we believe women, stand with women, speak out for women." She added that the world has failed to call the situation what it is, "an urgent emergency that demands a decisive response."
While Gadot acknowledged that she typically refrains from engaging in political discourse, she explained that the magnitude of the massacre and the plight of the hostages compelled her to speak out.
"After October 7th [2023], I don’t talk politics – because who cares about the celebrity talking about politics? I’m an artist. I want to entertain people. I want to bring hope and be a beacon of light whenever I say anything about the world."
"But on October 7th, when people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent."
The backlash against Gadot’s stance reflects the deeply divisive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the heightened tensions in the aftermath of the October 7 attack. Her decision to speak out has drawn both support and condemnation, highlighting the challenges faced by public figures who choose to express their views on sensitive political issues.
Adding to the turmoil, Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony was nearly disrupted by clashes between pro-Israel and anti-Israel demonstrators, resulting in multiple arrests. Despite the unrest, Gadot used her speech at the event to emphasize the importance of the Jewish community speaking out against antisemitism, even if it provokes discomfort or anger.
"But this is a time when many of us in the Jewish community have had to find our voice and confront the hatred against us, even if it’s extremely uncomfortable. Even if speaking up wasn’t really your thing, none of us can ignore the explosion of Jew hatred around the world anymore."
Gadot’s decision to address antisemitism head-on underscores the growing concern among Jewish communities worldwide about the rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7 attack. Her call for the Jewish community to confront hatred, even in the face of discomfort, reflects a determination to combat prejudice and discrimination.
Gal Gadot’s unwavering stance on the Hamas attack and her advocacy for the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism have placed her at the center of a complex and emotionally charged debate. As a prominent public figure, her actions and statements carry significant weight, making her a target for both support and criticism.
