Gal Gadot honoured with Israel's Genesis Prize for her wartime activism

Actor Gal Gadot has been awarded Israel’s Genesis Prize in recognition of her wartime support for her home country. The prestigious 2026 honour is in recognition of her "steadfast defence of Israel at great personal and professional risk".

Describing herself as a "proud Jew and a proud Israeli," the 'Wonder Woman 1984' (2020) actor pledged to donate her $1 million prize to organisations committed to helping Israel recover from the trauma of its two-year war against Hamas, as reported by the Associated Press. This act of advocacy has, at times, led to her facing personal backlash.

In a statement released



by the prize organisers on Tuesday, Gal Gadot said that "Israel has endured unimaginable pain." She emphasised the need for recovery, saying: "Now we must begin to heal — to rebuild hearts, families and communities."

The Genesis Prize, dubbed 'the Jewish Nobel' by Time magazine, is presented annually to an individual recognised for their professional achievements, significant contributions to humanity, and dedication to Jewish values. Historically, recipients have dedicated the award funds to support causes vital to them, which have ranged from combating antisemitism and advancing women’s rights to fighting for economic justice.