Gal Gadot Receives International Leadership Award at ADL Summit, New York City, March 2025
Gal Gadot, the renowned Israeli actress and producer, was honored with the prestigious International Leadership Award at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) “Never Is Now” Summit on Antisemitism and Hate, held in New York City in March 2025. The summit, recognized as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to combating antisemitism and bigotry, provided a powerful platform for Gadot to address critical issues facing the Jewish community and beyond. This article explores the significance of her award, the key themes of her speech, and the broader context of the ADL summit.
The ADL Summit: A Global Platform Against Hate
The ADL’s “Never Is Now” Summit, held on March 3-4, 2025, at the Javits Center in New York City, brought together over 4,000 attendees, including global leaders, activists, policymakers, students, and business executives. The event aimed to address the alarming rise in antisemitism and hate worldwide, offering a space for dialogue, education, and action. The ADL, founded in 1913, has long been a leading organization in the fight against antisemitism, extremism, and bigotry, with a mission to secure justice and fair treatment for all.
Gadot’s recognition at the summit underscores her role not only as a celebrated actress but also as a vocal advocate for Jewish communities and a champion of unity against hate. Her award highlights the influence public figures can wield in challenging discrimination and promoting inclusivity.
Gal Gadot’s Award: Recognizing Courage and Advocacy
A Hero On and Off Screen
Gal Gadot was presented with the ADL’s International Leadership Award by Jonathan Greenblatt, the organization’s CEO and National Director. Greenblatt praised Gadot’s unwavering courage, stating, “A hero both on screen and off, Gal Gadot has been an unshakable force in the fight against antisemitism. At a time when antisemitism is rising at a staggering pace, she has refused to stay silent.” This recognition celebrates Gadot’s efforts to use her global platform to advocate for justice, particularly in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel.
Advocacy Following October 7
The October 7 attacks, which marked a tragic escalation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, deeply impacted Gadot, who is proudly Israeli and Jewish. In the aftermath, she amplified the voices of survivors, called for the release of hostages, and urged global institutions, including the United Nations and women’s rights organizations, to address violence against Israeli women. Her actions included hosting a private screening to reveal the horrific realities of the attacks, further demonstrating her commitment to raising awareness and demanding accountability.
Key Themes of Gadot’s Acceptance Speech
Embracing Jewish Identity
In her powerful 12-minute acceptance speech, Gadot boldly declared, “My name is Gal, and I am Jewish,” emphasizing the courage it takes to express such a simple truth in today’s climate. She noted, “Isn’t it crazy that just saying that, just expressing such a simple fact about who I am, feels like a controversial statement?” This statement resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish individuals in confronting rising antisemitism.
Gadot also shared her personal background, mentioning her descent from Holocaust survivors on her mother’s side and her eighth-generation Israeli heritage on her father’s side. She expressed pride in her identity, stating, “I am proud to be Jewish and proud to be an Israeli,” and underscored Israel’s significance as “the historic homeland of the Jewish people.”
The Power of Community
Reflecting on the aftermath of October 7, Gadot shared a personal anecdote about finding solace in a synagogue, despite not being religiously observant. “I felt the embrace of the Jewish people, and the power in the warmth of our community,” she said. “And for those few precious moments, the chaos and violence of the outside world felt just a little bit easier to deal with.” This experience reinforced her belief in the strength of Jewish unity and the importance of communal support in times of crisis.
A Call to Action
Gadot’s speech was not only a reflection on her personal journey but also a rallying cry for action. She urged the Jewish community to speak out against hate, even when it is uncomfortable, stating, “However much you tried to avoid it before, even if speaking up wasn’t really your thing, none of us can ignore the explosion of Jew-hatred around the world anymore.” She emphasized the interconnectedness of Jewish communities globally, noting, “October 7 showed that what happens to Jews anywhere affects Jews everywhere.”
Demanding the Release of Hostages
A significant portion of Gadot’s speech was dedicated to the plight of hostages still held in Gaza. She passionately called for their release, saying, “We are here, in this room, demanding the release of every single one of our hostages. We have to bring them home.” Addressing the hostages and their families directly, she added, “We have your back, we are here for you. We need you to know that wherever you go in the world where there’s a Jewish community, they will always find people who campaigned for you, who love you, and who will never let you walk alone.”
The Broader Context: Antisemitism and Global Response
Rising Antisemitism Worldwide
Gadot’s speech comes at a time when antisemitism is surging globally, a trend that has been exacerbated since the October 7 attacks. She expressed shock at the lack of condemnation for the violence, stating, “Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying, and cheering on a massacre of Jews.” This observation highlights the urgent need for education and advocacy to counter hate and misinformation.
Hollywood’s Role and Silence
Gadot’s remarks also touched on the reluctance of some in Hollywood to speak out against antisemitism, a theme echoed by actor David Schwimmer during the same summit. Schwimmer, in presenting the ADL’s “Heroes Against Hate” award, called out the silence of peers “whose careers have been made by leaning into their Jewish identity, and others who have won acclaim for playing Jews onscreen.” Gadot, who previously avoided political discussions, noted that October 7 was a turning point, compelling her to use her platform as a “citizen of the world, an equal among equals.”
The Impact of Gadot’s Advocacy
Inspiring Unity and Action
Gadot’s recognition at the ADL summit serves as a powerful reminder of the role public figures can play in challenging hate and promoting inclusivity. Her speech inspired attendees and viewers worldwide, reinforcing the importance of standing up against discrimination and supporting marginalized communities. By sharing her personal story and advocating for the hostages, Gadot has become a symbol of resilience and moral clarity.
A Message of Hope
Despite the challenges, Gadot’s speech concluded on a hopeful note, emphasizing the strength of love over hate. “We will confront antisemitism, we will call it out, but we will never let it defeat us—or define us,” she declared. “Because our love is stronger than their hate.” This message resonates not only with the Jewish community but with all those fighting against bigotry and intolerance.
Conclusion
Gal Gadot’s receipt of the International Leadership Award at the ADL’s “Never Is Now” Summit in March 2025 marks a significant moment in the fight against antisemitism and hate. Through her courageous advocacy, personal reflections, and impassioned calls to action, Gadot has demonstrated the power of using one’s platform for good. As the world grapples with rising intolerance, her voice serves as a beacon of hope, urging unity, resilience, and justice. The ADL summit, amplified by voices like Gadot’s, continues to be a vital platform for education, dialogue, and change, reminding us all of the importance of standing together against hate.
