Gal Gadot gets emotional at LA Gala, urges “Urgent Prayers” for Israeli hostages amid Gaza conflict

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot struggled to hold back tears Thursday night in Los Angeles. The Wonder Woman star stood before a packed ballroom at the United Hatzalah of Israel gala and pleaded with the crowd not to forget the 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

“As we stand here tonight, we cannot forget the 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza,”Gal Gadot said, her voice cracking in a clip shared from the event. “Their safe return must remain our urgent prayer and our shared mission.”

A Call for Unity and Compassion

The actress described it as a “true privilege” to support United Hatzalah, a volunteer-run emergency medical organization. She spoke about values instilled in her childhood—kindness, courage, responsibility—and how the group reflects those ideals.

“I was raised with values of kindness, courage and responsibility, values deeply rooted in Judaism. And I see those same values alive every single day in our people who refuse to give in to fear or hate, and instead choose hope, action and humanity. I’ve always believed in the power of peace and coexistence. What moves me most about this organization is how it brings people of all faiths, cultures, and walks of life together in service of one sacred mission — to save lives. Jews, Muslims, Christians, men and women from every background, all united in the moment that matters the most.”

Honoring Yuval Raphael

The evening wasn’t just about politics or prayer. Gal Gadot also presented Eurovision breakout Yuval Raphael with the Hero Award. Yuval, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival massacre, carried Israel’s voice to the global stage earlier this year, finishing second at Eurovision.

“Yuval could have been defined by tragedy, but instead, she transformed her pain into purpose. And this year she carried Israel’s voice to the world at the 2025 Eurovision song contest. She didn’t just place second; she stood tall for every person who has felt fear, who has endured loss, and reminded us that resilience can shine brighter than hate. Through her voice, she gave millions a reason to hope, to heal and to believe again. In a time of rising division and antisemitism and pain, Yuval reminded us that we are more than what tries to break us. Her strength teaches us that even in the darkest night, a new day is always possible.” Gal Gadot said.

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A Divided Global Backdrop

The moment comes amid heightened tensions. While Gal Gadot urged prayers for hostages, international voices like Javier Bardem have backed cultural boycotts of Israel, citing genocide concerns in Gaza. Thousands of film workers have signed similar pledges. Gal Gadot, however, avoided delving into that debate, focusing instead on honoring survivors and reinforcing a message of resilience.

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FAQs

Q1: What event did Gal Gadot attend in Los Angeles?

She attended the United Hatzalah of Israel gala, where she gave a speech and presented an award.

Q2: Who did Gal Gadot honor at the gala?

She honored Nova Festival survivor and Eurovision singer Yuval Raphael with the Hero Award.

Q3: What did Gal Gadot say about the hostages in Gaza?

She urged the audience to keep the 48 Israeli hostages in their prayers and called their safe return an “urgent mission.”