Gal Gadot Triples Genesis Prize to $3M for Trauma Recovery

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who received the prestigious Genesis Prize for 2026 last November, has announced a powerful philanthropic commitment: together with the Genesis Prize Foundation and the Jewish Funders Network (JFN), she will distribute three million dollars to 24 Israeli organizations working in mental health support and rehabilitation. The sum is triple the original prize amount, after Gadot raised an additional two million dollars in partnership with JFN.

The Genesis Prize, sometimes called "the Jewish Nobel," is awarded annually to prominent Jewish figures worldwide. Recipients receive one million dollars to dedicate to a philanthropic cause of their choosing. Past laureates include Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand, Michael Bloomberg, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Gadot chose to dedicate her prize to a cause particularly close to her heart during this period: rehabilitating Israeli society following October 7th.

150 Applications, 24 Organizations Selected

During the grant selection process, 150 applications were submitted by Israeli organizations, with dozens advancing to the final evaluation stage. Organizations were chosen based on their scope of impact, professional capacity, and potential to expand mental health and support systems in Israel. Among the selected recipients are United Hatzalah, Make-A-Wish Israel, and CareGivers Israel.

Gadot continues to serve as a prominent ambassador for Israel in the international entertainment world, despite repeated boycott attempts by pro-Palestinian activists. Just recently, her new film "In the Hand of Dante" reached the top spot on Amazon Prime Video's most-watched list, proving that global audiences continue to appreciate her professional work.

Connected to Her Roots

Gadot, who grew up in Israel and served in the IDF, is known for maintaining her Jewish and Israeli identity even in Hollywood. Recently, she hosted an elaborate Shabbat dinner at her home with friends, including actress Mila Kunis and activist Noa Tishby, showcasing Israeli tradition in all its splendor.

The decision to dedicate the Genesis Prize to mental health in Israel reflects Gadot's deep commitment to Israeli society during this challenging period. The funds distributed to the 24 organizations are expected to help thousands of Israelis coping with the war's aftermath and strengthen the country's mental support infrastructure.