Israeli actress Gal Gadot became emotional during her speech at the opening ceremony of the 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival on Thursday, expressing hope for an end to the ongoing conflict and the safe return of hostages held in Gaza.
Wearing the yellow ribbon Hostages’ Pin, Gadot addressed a crowd of thousands at the Sultan’s Pool open-air venue. “I pray this war will end and that there will be peace and security for everyone,” she said tearfully. “I want to breathe again — and that will only happen when the hostages come home.”
Gadot, who was the festival’s guest of honor, spoke about her deep connection to Israel despite her international career. “I travel the world a lot — but this is always home,” she said. “There is no place where I feel safer than here in Israel and no place that moves me more than this place.”
She described Israel as “a very special place — only 10 million people living in one spot on our globe… like a friendly city in America with the greatest minds, one of the strongest armies in the world, a startup nation, the best doctors, the most original and wonderful creativity that comes from the heart.”
Gadot expressed eagerness to work on an Israeli film script. “So send them my way if you have any,” she said with a smile.
The festival recognized Gadot with a special award for her “contribution to international cinema and her impressive success over two decades.” She also received an honor from Hadassah—the Women's Zionist Organization of America for her “steadfast support of Israel with courage and determination” and her use of a global platform to "promote truth and justice for Israel.”
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Festival director Roni Mahdav-Lavin said Gadot was a natural choice as guest of honor. “She began her career here in Israel and became one of the most recognized international stars while maintaining a deep connection to her Israeli roots,” he said. “Gal is not only a global star but also a cultural ambassador for Israel and Israeli cinema.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also praised Gadot, calling her “an important ambassador for Israel in the world” and expressing hope for the return of hostages “living and dead held by wrongdoers in Gaza.”
The Jerusalem Film Festival, held annually, showcases Israeli and international films and serves as a major cultural event in the city.