- Wednesday, March 19, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Hollywood actress Gal Gadot was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 18. However, the ceremony, meant to celebrate her contributions to cinema, was overshadowed by protests as pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators clashed near the venue. Gadot, who has been vocal about the ongoing Gaza conflict, faced backlash from activists who criticized her stance.
According to Variety, the protests began just before the event concluded, with demonstrators holding signs and chanting slogans. Pro-Palestinian activists carried placards reading, “Heroes Fight Like Palestinians,” “No Other Land Won Oscar,” and “Viva Viva Palestina.” Their slogans included, “Up up with liberation, down down with occupation” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crime.” Despite efforts to control the situation, the protesters managed to disrupt the ceremony.
The Hollywood Boulevard area was tented off to restrict visibility, but tensions escalated when a pro-Palestinian protester stole an Israeli flag and attempted to flee, prompting police intervention. Speaking to the media, one protester criticized Gadot’s recognition, stating, “There’s no reason we should be celebrating an Israeli,” and accused the actress of failing to use her platform effectively.
Despite the unrest, the ceremony continued with notable attendees, including Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, actor Vin Diesel, and Israeli actress Shira Haas. Steve Nissen hosted the event, celebrating Gadot’s rise in Hollywood. Expressing her gratitude, the actress reflected on her journey from Israel to international stardom. “I’m just a girl from a town in Israel, this star will remind me that with hard work, passion, and some faith, anything is possible,” she said.
Gadot also acknowledged Vin Diesel for playing a pivotal role in her Hollywood debut. “You took a chance on a complete unknown and invited me to the Fast and Furious family. It was my first movie ever, and your faith in me completely changed the course of my life,” she said, calling the cast her “family.”
On the professional front, Gadot will be seen as the Evil Queen in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role. The film is set to release in theaters on March 21.
