Gal Gadot Pledges $3 Million for Israeli Mental Health Support

Israeli actress Gal Gadot announced a significant philanthropic initiative, pledging $3 million to support mental health services for victims of the ongoing conflict. The donation, made in partnership with the Genesis Prize Foundation and the Jewish Funders Network (JFN), will be distributed among 24 Israeli organizations focused on mental health rehabilitation and support.

This substantial sum triples the original $1 million prize money Gadot received when she was awarded the prestigious Genesis Prize in November 2026. She successfully raised an additional $2 million through collaboration with JFN. The Genesis Prize, often referred to as the "Jewish Nobel," annually honors prominent Jewish individuals worldwide, with laureates dedicating their prize money to a philanthropic cause of their choice. Past recipients include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Gadot chose to direct her prize towards aiding Israeli society's recovery in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. A rigorous selection process reviewed 150 applications from Israeli organizations, with the final 24 chosen based on their impact, professional capabilities, and potential to expand mental health services in Israel. Notable recipients include United Hatzalah, Make-A-Wish Israel, and CareGivers Israel.

Despite facing boycott attempts from pro-Palestinian activists, Gadot continues to be a prominent global ambassador for Israel. Her recent film, "Heart of Stone," topped Amazon Prime Video's most-watched list, demonstrating continued international appreciation for her work. Gadot, who grew up in Israel and served in the IDF, remains connected to her roots, recently hosting a Shabbat dinner with friends like Mila Kunis and Noa Tishby, showcasing Israeli traditions.

Her decision to focus on mental health reflects a deep commitment to Israeli society during this challenging period. The allocated funds are expected to assist thousands of Israelis coping with the war's consequences and bolster the nation's mental health support infrastructure.