Gal Gadot (AP/Chris Pizzello/Invision)
Stan Polovets, founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation, commended Gadot’s selection, noting that the prize is an affirmation of her moral fortitude.
By Eliana Fleming, JFeed
Gal Gadot, the most successful Israeli actress in Hollywood, has been named the 2026 Genesis Prize Laureate.
The star announced she will donate the entire $1 million award to Israeli organizations dedicated to “healing the physical and psychological wounds of society in Israel.”
The Genesis Prize Foundation announced the selection of the Wonder Woman actress on Tuesday, recognizing her professional excellence and unwavering commitment to Jewish values and the State of Israel.
Gadot’s Emotional Pledge
Expressing deep gratitude for the honor, Gadot stated:
“I am excited and grateful to receive the Genesis Prize, and for the privilege of standing alongside the wonderful past winners and winners.” She emphasized her identity, declaring, “I am a proud Jew and a proud Israeli. I love my country and I intend to dedicate this prize to organizations that will help Israel heal and to the wonderful people working on the front lines of social and human action.”
Her decision to dedicate the funds to recovery efforts reflects the current climate following the recent war.
Gadot movingly added, “Israel has been through unimaginable pain. Now is the time to start healing, to rebuild hearts, families, and communities.”
Honoring Moral Courage
Stan Polovets, founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation, commended Gadot’s selection, noting that the prize is an affirmation of her moral fortitude.
Polovets stated:
“Gal Gadot’s values and uncompromising love for Israel inspire millions around the world.” He explained that the award is granted in appreciation of her “courage and moral fortitude, for her unwavering and public stand with Israel, even at a heavy personal and professional price; for her determined activity on behalf of the hostages and giving voice to their distress; for the compassion she shows toward victims of terror; and for the empathy she expresses toward all the innocent victims of the difficult war started by Hamas terrorists.”
Polovets concluded that Gadot’s decision to dedicate the prize money to healing “expresses the true essence of the Prize—to celebrate achievements and harness them for doing good.”
The “Jewish Nobel”
The Genesis Prize, often informally referred to as the “Jewish Nobel,” is awarded annually to individuals who have attained exceptional professional excellence, made a significant contribution in their field, and demonstrated a commitment to Jewish values.
The $1 million prize celebrates its 15th laureate with Gadot’s selection. Past recipients have included a distinguished roster of global figures such as US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; former New York Mayor and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg; human rights activist Natan Sharansky; Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla; singer, actress, and social activist Barbra Streisand; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (founder of a major anti-Semitism foundation); and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Last year, the prize was awarded to Argentinian President Javier Milei.
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