Latest news with #JerusalemFilmFestival
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former hostages meet Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot met with former hostages Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky. Several female former hostages met Israeli actress Gal Gadot on Tuesday, according to a press release from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Gadot met with former hostages Doron Steinbrecher, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Moran Stella Yanai, and Ilana Gritzewsky in Israel. In the meeting, the women shared their stories of captivity and expressed their gratitude for her activism. 'You've all been through incredibly difficult things, and I can't believe you're standing here today, continuing your lives and fighting for others," Gadot said. 'You are an inspiration, you are strength' "Watching you carry the weight for those still in captivity — you are an inspiration, and you are strength. I hope with all my heart they all come home soon.' The hostages emphasized the importance of continuing to speak out about those still remaining in captivity. 'Don't stop. We must keep talking and keep them in people's hearts and minds," said Doron Steinbrecher. At the Jerusalem Film Festival, Gadot called for an end to the Israel-Hamas War. 'The most important thing all of us wish is that we can breathe again calmly, and we will be able to do that when the hostages return home." Their meeting comes as Israeli and Palestinian delegations hold talks about a ceasefire and hostage deal. Israel and its negotiating partners are still waiting for Hamas's response to the proposed deal presented by mediators last week. N12 reported that Hamas is stalling talks, and that American mediators believe that "if there is no agreement this time, the blame will lie fully with Hamas." Solve the daily Crossword
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Israel-Born Actor Gal Gadot, Who Praised Netanyahu, Calls For Gaza Ceasefire
Last Updated: Gadot, long known for her public support of the Israeli military and Netanyahu, appeared to shift tone by expressing hope for peace Israeli actor Gal Gadot on Thursday called for an end to the war in Gaza during her appearance at the opening night of the Jerusalem Film Festival, where she received a special award. The 'Wonder Woman" star, long known for her public support of the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared to shift tone by expressing hope for peace. 'I'm praying for this (Gaza) war to end and for everyone here to finally have calm and security," Gadot said during her speech. 'That will not be possible until the hostages come home." The 40-year-old actor, born in Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv, has faced heavy criticism from pro-Palestinian groups for backing the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which have been accused of committing atrocities during their military operation in Gaza. At the same time, right-wing Israeli media have attacked her more recently for urging a ceasefire, which runs counter to the government's stated goal of continuing the war until Hamas is fully defeated. Despite the regional tensions, organisers pushed ahead with the 42nd edition of the Jerusalem Film Festival, which had been under threat due to Israel's brief war with Iran in June. Festival director Roni Mahadav-Levin said, 'We spent two weeks in bomb shelters trying to decide if we could keep the date of the festival," as many international guests cancelled or delayed travel. The ongoing Gaza war has cast a shadow over the event. 'It's taking place under a cloud," said film student Ayal Sgerski, 29, who noted the festival is struggling to attract global films this year due to widespread opposition to Israel's military campaign. The event opened with a screening of Sentimental Value by Norwegian director Joachim Trier, who won an award at Cannes this year. The Gaza war began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Israel's military response has since killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry — the majority of them civilians. The Israeli military maintains that it does not intentionally target non-combatants. (With inputs from AFP) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
