On March 18, 2025, Gal Gadot was honored with her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but the celebration took a contentious turn as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators disrupted the event. The protests appeared just before the ceremony began, which was attended by Gadot’s husband, Jaron Varsano, and their four daughters: Alma, Maya, Daniella, and Ori.
Several dozen protesters gathered outside the tented area on Hollywood Boulevard, holding signs with powerful messages. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shouted slogans like, "Up up with liberation, down down with occupation," and displayed signs such as "Heroes Fight Like Palestinians" and "Viva Viva Palestina." One protester, Roma Ealaicos, voiced grave concerns, stating, "We’re all really upset about what’s happening in Gaza right now. From the last year and a half, and especially in the last 24-48 hours, 400 innocent people have been killed by the Israeli military, unprovoked," he said, emphasizing the depth of the ongoing conflict.
Another protester, Dana Nikri, shared her pain, recalling how her friends had been killed in the violence surrounding the October 7, 2023, attacks. "They come [to] our home and take us from our home and give us dead children," she lamented. Although the ceremony began approximately 15 minutes late due to the protests, the tension outside was palpable as chants could still be heard as guests took their seats.
Inside the ceremony, emceed by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Steve Nissen, Gadot received warm accolades from her peers including Vin Diesel and Patty Jenkins. Presenting her with the star, Nissen emphasized her significant contributions to the film industry and her role as a prominent Israeli figure. "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," Gadot said, reflecting on her journey into stardom.
Gadot’s remarks also included heartfelt expressions of gratitude towards her family. She recounted how, "Whenever my success grew, I always got pregnant. I needed to ground myself. This is about going after your passion and working hard... if you do, you can achieve anything, my sweet girls.” Her daughters sat in the audience, and she acknowledged them, saying, “Being your Ima is my greatest privilege and the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done.”
However, amid the celebration, the political context loomed large. Gadot has been an outspoken supporter of Israel, particularly during recent conflicts. On March 4, 2025, at the Anti-Defamation League’s annual summit, she delivered a powerful address that stirred considerable controversy: "Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews," she expressed fervently.
Reflecting on the continuing violence, she elaborated, "When people were abducted from their homes... I could not be silent." Gadot's face was strained as she recalled the horror faced by those affected by the October 7 attacks. Despite the polarized opinions surrounding her, she maintained, "When your compass is clear, your conscience is clean. I know what I’m advocating for, and I know what I wish for the world.”
The protests outside were a manifestation of the broader tensions surrounding her recent political stance. It is worth noting that Gadot is not alone among Disney stars facing backlash for their political views. Last month, similar protests occurred at the premiere of “Captain America: Brave New World,” demanding a boycott because it featured an Israeli character, Sabra, further demonstrating the substantial public sentiment about Israel-Palestine relations.
At the Walk of Fame ceremony, as the family posed for photos, the juxtaposition of personal triumph against the backdrop of public upheaval could not be ignored. Gadot’s star is the 2,804th to be added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, representing not only a milestone in her career but also underscoring the intricate relationship between celebrity culture and political issues.
The ceremony concluded with a collective cheer from her supporters and an acknowledgment of the challenging environment in which public figures operate today, especially those who emerge from complex geopolitical backgrounds. Gadot's story, emblematic of the individual struggles against wider social concerns, leaves room for reflection in a time of division.
