Gal Gadot Donates $3 Million to Israeli Mental Health Organizations

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, the recipient of the 2026 Genesis Prize, has pledged her $1 million prize money, along with an additional $2 million raised through the Jewish Funders Network (JFN), to support mental health and rehabilitation efforts in Israel. The total of $3 million will be distributed among 24 Israeli organizations focused on aiding those affected by the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war.

Gadot announced her intention to dedicate the prize funds to organizations working on societal rehabilitation shortly after winning the award in November 2025. The additional funds were raised in collaboration with JFN, tripling the original prize amount. The initiative aims to provide treatment for trauma survivors, support mental health professionals, and assist families and communities grappling with the aftermath of the conflict.

"After three years of war, loss, and unprecedented hardship, I chose to dedicate the prize grants to the therapists and medical teams who help rebuild lives daily and stand by those in their most vulnerable moments," Gadot stated. She emphasized the importance of mutual care and solidarity, values she connects to her Jewish heritage and a sense of shared responsibility. "By strengthening those who care for others, we can help heal families and communities, reconnect them, and build a stable and shared future."

Over 150 Israeli organizations applied for the grants, with dozens progressing to advanced review stages. The selected organizations were chosen based on their impact, professional capabilities, and potential to expand mental health support systems in Israel. Notable recipients include United Hatzalah, Make-A-Wish Israel, and CareGivers Israel.

The Genesis Prize, often referred to as the "Jewish Nobel," is awarded annually to prominent Jewish individuals who then dedicate their $1 million prize to a philanthropic cause of their choice. Past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bloomberg, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.