Gal Gadot’s latest achievement, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was met with a mix of celebration and controversy on Tuesday. The Israeli actress, known for her iconic roles in “Wonder Woman” and “Snow White,” was joined by her family, “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins, and “Fast & Furious” co-star Vin Diesel at the El Capitan Theatre.
However, the ceremony was not without its challenges. Across the street, a group of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters gathered, holding flags and signs that reflected their differing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some signs read “Standing with Israel,” while others displayed the faces of those taken hostage or killed by Hamas following the October 7, 2023 invasion. One poster even accused Gadot of supporting genocide, featuring a photo of her Evil Queen character from “Snow White”.
The protests were largely peaceful, with no arrests made, although there were some detainments. A video captured by Variety film reporter Katcy Stephan showed a few individuals being handcuffed by police outside the Ovation Hollywood shopping mall.
The ceremony took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. Just hours earlier, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had killed over 400 people, two months after a ceasefire deal was brokered. The White House confirmed that the Trump administration had been consulted by Israel ahead of the attack.
Gadot’s own views on the conflict have been the subject of controversy in the past. While she has expressed support for Israel, some have criticized her for not speaking out more forcefully against the treatment of Palestinians. In a recent interview, Gadot acknowledged the challenges of speaking out on social media, citing the prevalence of hate speech and misinformation.
Despite the controversy, Gadot’s achievement was celebrated by many in the entertainment industry. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. As Gadot herself noted in her acceptance speech, “I’m just a girl from a town in Israel… this star will remind me that with hard work and passion and some faith, anything is possible”.
