Gal Gadot has raised concerns about the growing spread of antisemitism, saying she is frightened by how openly hatred towards Jewish people is being expressed. However, her remarks have prompted a wave of criticism online.
Several internet users argued that their opposition is directed at Israel's actions in Palestine and not Jewish people. The Wonder Woman actress shared these concerns while honouring Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's 2026 Humanitarian Award Dinner in Beverly Hills.
Gal Gadot Condemns Growing 'Hatred of Jews'
Gadot became emotional while presenting Kreiz with the humanitarian award on Wednesday, 11 November. She expressed alarm over the rise in hostility towards Jewish people. 'I'm frightened by how quickly hatred of Jews is spreading—and how openly it is expressed and accepted', she told the audience, according to Variety.
The Israeli actress also reflected on the events following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. She questioned how far hostility could go if people became accustomed to witnessing hateful behaviour without challenging it. 'Since the Oct. 7 massacre and the war that followed, I have found myself asking how far this can go', she continued.
Gadot also praised Kreiz for remaining firm in his position and speaking out against antisemitism. She described his leadership as a 'beacon of light', adding that his support gave her hope during what she characterised as a difficult period for the Jewish community.
Gal Gadot says Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz "gives me hope" against antisemitism.
— Variety (@Variety) November 12, 2026
“I’m frightened by how quickly hatred of Jews is spreading — and how openly it is expressed and accepted. Since the Oct. 7 massacre and the war that followed, I have found myself asking how far this… pic.twitter.com/wuNQ3RUJOo
Ynon Kreiz Calls for Action Against Hate
Kreiz also addressed antisemitism during his acceptance speech, emphasising the importance of distinguishing criticism of Israeli government policies from hatred towards Jewish people.
'Disagreement with the policies of the Israeli government cannot become an excuse for the hatred of Jews', he said. The Skydance co-CEO also thanked company chairman and CEO David Ellison for taking what he described as a 'bold stand for Israel and the Jewish people'.
Kreiz, who previously served as Mattel's chairman and chief executive, was recognised by the Simon Wiesenthal Center for his leadership. His appointment as Skydance co-CEO coincided with Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, placing him in a key leadership role at the newly combined entertainment company.
Critics Reject Claims of Anti-Jewish Sentiment
Gadot's remarks did not go unchallenged. Critics took to social media to argue that opposition to Israel and its military actions should not automatically be interpreted as hatred towards Jewish people.
'We hate genocide, not Jews', one response read, while another argued that people should stop confusing opposition to Zionism with antisemitism.
Others said Gadot's public support for Israel was the reason she faced criticism, arguing that her nationality and Jewish identity were not the issue. One commenter wrote that people were angry because they believed she supported the ongoing genocide in Palestine, adding that 'it just turns out she's Jewish'.
We don’t hate Jews. We hate genocide. Therefore, we hate Israel and zionists, not Jews.
— Don Gately (@gately28261) November 12, 2026
People hate her because she supports the ongoing genocide in Palestine, it just turns out she’s Jewish.
— Propaganda Monitor (@GotPropaganda) November 12, 2026
Antisemitism Debate Deepens Amid Gaza War
The backlash highlights ongoing debate over how antisemitism and criticism of Israel are discussed amid the devastating war in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian voices argue that condemning Israel's military actions, opposing Zionism or demanding accountability for alleged international law violations does not constitute hatred towards Jewish people.
However, Jewish communities and advocacy groups continue to warn against rhetoric targeting people because of their identity. Kreiz's remarks reflected those concerns, while critics of Gadot argued that opposing Israeli policies should not be equated with antisemitism.
