Gal Gadot Pledges Millions to Israeli Mental Health Support Organizations
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, a recipient of the 2026 Genesis Prize, will donate $3 million to 27 organizations focused on mental health support and rehabilitation in Israel. The funds, provided in conjunction with the Genesis Prize Foundation and the Jewish philanthropic network, are intended for entities assisting mental health professionals, trauma survivors, children, youth, and families impacted by the October 7th Hamas attack and subsequent conflicts.
Gadot initially announced in November 2025, upon winning the $1 million Genesis Prize, often referred to as the 'Jewish Nobel,' that she would dedicate the prize money to rebuilding Israeli society. An additional $2 million was raised through collaboration with the Jewish philanthropic network, tripling the total amount allocated for this initiative.
"After three years of war, loss, and unprecedented hardship, I chose to dedicate the prize grants to the therapists and medical teams who daily assist all those rebuilding their lives and stand by them in their most vulnerable moments," Gadot stated. She added, "Caring for one another and our solidarity are the way forward. By strengthening those who care for others, we can help heal families and communities, reconnect them, and build a stable, shared future."
Approximately 150 Israeli organizations applied for the grants during a two-month selection process. After an advanced review of numerous applicants, the chosen recipients were identified based on factors including their scope of activity, professional capabilities, and potential to expand mental health support systems and bolster care providers. Among the selected organizations are Make-A-Wish Israel, United Hatzalah, and CareGivers Israel.
The initiative addresses the significant strain on Israel's mental health system. A 2025 State Comptroller report indicated that 34% of Israel's adult population, estimated at 2.5 to 3 million people, reported moderate to severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. Gadot has been a vocal supporter of Israel in Hollywood, condemning the October 7th attack and advocating for the release of hostages, utilizing her international platform to raise awareness about the events in Israel.