Actress Gal Gadot will be awarded the 2026 Genesis Prize, the annual $1 million award that honors Jewish contributions to humanity, the foundation announced Tuesday.
The Genesis Prize Foundation calls the actress, known for portraying the Wonder Woman superhero character in several films, “a hero on screen and an even greater hero in real life.”
Gadot said in a statement that she was humbled to receive the Genesis Prize.
Like other past Genesis laureates, Gadot will donate her $1 million prize, giving it to organizations that will help Israelis heal, rebuild and recover after the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023.
“I am a proud Jew and a proud Israeli,” said Gadot. “I love my country and dedicate this award to the organizations that will help Israel heal and to those incredible people who serve on the front lines of compassion. Israel has endured unimaginable pain. Now we must begin to heal – to rebuild hearts, families and communities.”
Get The Times of Israel’s Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the terms
Since October 7, Gadot has used her social media platform to speak out about the global silence surrounding sexual violence against women on that day and about the terror group’s atrocities.
Announcing the 2026 Genesis Prize Laureate – someone brave and courageous who spoke up for Israel when too many were silent.
Watch the video to find out who it is and read more at: https://t.co/f79oDlbmzY#GenesisPrize #JewishPride #JewishAchievement #Jewish pic.twitter.com/NIHWscPmQp
— The Genesis Prize (@TheGenesisPrize) November 11, 2025
She also posted regularly about the hostages taken captive on that day and hosted screenings of footage about Hamas atrocities carried out on October 7.
Gadot has said that in the past, she generally avoided speaking about political issues, but that changed after the massacre.
The actress has also been the subject of death threats and pro-Palestinian protests during the last two years, including during the March 2025 ceremony for her Hollywood star.
In August 2024, anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists called for a boycott of the live-action “Snow White” film with Gadot cast as the evil queen.
When Gadot’s “Snow White” co-star Rachel Zegler tweeted “free palestine” after sharing the trailer for her latest movie, Gadot then received death threats, leading Disney to hire additional security for her.
Dubbed the “Jewish Nobel” by Time Magazine, the previous Genesis laureates include Argentina’s President Javier Milei in 2025, as well as the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, human rights advocate and former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky; chairman and CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla; singer, actor, and activist Barbra Streisand; owner of New England Patriots Robert Kraft; and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, among others.
Dubbed the “Jewish Nobel” by Time magazine, past Genesis laureates include: Argentina’s President Javier Milei in 2025; the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg; human rights advocate and former Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky; Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla; actress and singer Barbra Streisand; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
The date for the 2026 Genesis Prize ceremony has not been announced yet.
Watch DocuNation Season 3: The Heart of Israel
when you join the ToI Community
Support The Times of Israel’s independent journalism and receive access to our documentary series, DocuNation: The Heart of Israel.
In this season of DocuNation, you can stream seven outstanding Israeli documentaries with English subtitles and then join a live online discussion with the filmmakers. The selected films show Israel beyond the conflict: a place of storytellers and musicians, of dreamers, makers, and communities rooted in meaning and trust.
When you watch DocuNation, you’re also supporting Israeli creators at a time when it’s increasingly difficult for them to share their work globally.
To learn more about DocuNation: The Heart of Israel, click here.
Support ToI and get DocuNation
Support ToI and get DocuNation
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You appreciate our journalism
You clearly find our careful reporting valuable, in a time when facts are often distorted and news coverage often lacks context.
Your support is essential to continue our work. We want to continue delivering the professional journalism you value, even as the demands on our newsroom have grown dramatically since October 7.
So today, please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6 a month you’ll become our partners while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel