At Never Is Now, the global icon delivers a powerful call for Jewish pride, resilience, and unity in the face of rising antisemitism.
New York, NY, March 4, 2025 ... ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) proudly honored international actor, producer, and activist Gal Gadot with The International Leadership Award at the Never Is Now 2025 Summit on Antisemitism and Hate, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to fighting antisemitism and bigotry. The summit, which took place at the Javits Center in New York City on March 3-4, drew more than 4,000 attendees, including global leaders, activists, students, policymakers, and business executives.
"I am proud to be Jewish and proud to be an Israeli,” Gadot said in her acceptance remarks. “But this is a time when many of us in the Jewish community have had to find our voice and confront the hatred against us, even if it’s extremely uncomfortable. However much you tried to avoid it before, even if speaking up wasn’t really your thing, none of us can ignore the explosion of Jew-hatred around the world anymore. And that is what I am doing. No AI needed. It really is me, standing in front of you today, saying, simply, that my name is Gal, and I am Jewish. And we have had enough of Jew-hatred. So we are here, together calling for the release of every single one of our hostages. We have to bring them home”
Gadot was recognized for her fearless and outspoken advocacy against antisemitism and hate, as well as her unwavering support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. In the wake of the October 7th terrorist attacks, she used her platform to amplify the voices of survivors, call for the release of hostages, and hold global institutions accountable for addressing violence against Israeli women. Her efforts included hosting a groundbreaking private screening to reveal the realities of the attacks and urging international leaders—including the United Nations and major women’s rights organizations—to demand justice.
"A hero both on screen and off, Gal Gadot has been an unshakable force in the fight against antisemitism," said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of ADL. "At a time when antisemitism is rising at a staggering pace, she has refused to stay silent. Her leadership, courage, and commitment to standing up for what is right make her an extraordinary recipient of this award.”
The International Leadership Award honors visionary individuals whose advocacy, creativity, and leadership have left a lasting impact on the global fight against hate. Past recipients include Sacha Baron Cohen and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe Maurice Levy.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.