“Snow White” actress Gal Gadot returned to her home country on Sunday to stand with grieving families on hostages in Tel Aviv, generally considered the epicenter of the hostage activism of Israel.
The former Israel Defense Forces Soldier and “Wonder Woman” star embraced those whose loved ones have been held by Hamas for almost two years since October 7, 2023, attack.
Her visit coincided with “Israel on Hold” Day-A National Protest organized by the Highthresses and Missing Families Forum, which demands that the government gives priority to negotiations for the release of the approximately 50 remaining hostages kidnapped during the attack guided by Hamas. It is thought that almost 20 are still alive.
Families fear the recent approval of the government of an extensive military campaign in Gaza, including a planned acquisition of Gaza City, can endanger their loved ones instead of guaranteeing their release.
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Gal Gadot embraces Einav Zangaukeer, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, during an emotional moment on hostages Square. (The Gogagages and Missing Families Forum)
Gadot was photographed on the square to embrace Lishay Miran -Vlavi, the wife of Omri Miran, who was abducted by Hamas terrorists from their house in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, for her and their two young daughters.
Gadot also saw Einav Zangaukeer, mother of hostage Matan Zangaukeer, who was abducted during the attack next to his girlfriend Ilana Gritzewsky from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Einav has since become one of the most prominent figures among hostages.
Gadot’s meeting with the families underlined the deep connection that the prominent Hollywood figure wanted to make with families whose voices are central to the national campaign for hostages. The forum later said they were deeply touched by her visit.
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Gal Gadot greets Lishay Miran-Lavi, whose husband Omri Miran stays hostage in Gaza. (The Gogagages and Missing Families Forum)
“This visit was one of the many gestures and events that took place today throughout the country as part of the day of the interruption, and the love and support shown to the families has been overwhelming,” the organization added. “It reminded us that the hostages were not forgotten, that their plight is not only in Israel, but all over the world, and that we are not the only ones in this battle. Gal’s compassion and solidarity are among the sources of power that help us continue until all 50 hostages are returned.”
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Gal Gadot with Einav Zangaukeer, mother of hostage Matan Zangaukeer, on hostages in Tel Aviv on Sunday, August 17, 2025. (The Gogagages and Missing Families Forum)
Gadot has long been one of the most prominent cultural figures of Israel and has repeatedly used her platform to express itself to support her home country.
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However, that visibility has also made her a target of criticism abroad.
The actress, who recently played the leading role in “Snow White”, said in an interview with Channel Keshet 12 that she thinks that pressure in Hollywood for celebrities “has contributed to the disappointing cash register version of the film. She argued that the recoil on her pronounced pro-Israeli attitude was bled in her career, according to The Jerusalem Post. Despite the criticism, she has remained international attention to the cause.
