# Gal Gadot Addresses Rising Antisemitism at Simon Wiesenthal Center Gala

Actress Gal Gadot and executive Ynon Kreiz condemn global antisemitism during humanitarian event.

- **Source:** [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com)
- **Published:** 2026-11-12
- **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture)
- **Original article:** <https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gal-gadot-antisemitism-warning-simon-wiesenthal-center-gala-1236753712/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/464aee22-be5a-43b9-b7a3-ff6dc588fba1

## Emotional Appeal in Beverly Hills

Actress Gal Gadot became visibly emotional while addressing the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Humanitarian Award Dinner on Wednesday. She expressed deep concern regarding the rapid spread of antisemitism following the October 7 massacre. Gadot questioned the societal consequences of ignoring hatred, urging the audience to confront the normalization of prejudice against Jewish people.

## Honoring Ynon Kreiz

The event honored Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, 61, for his lifetime of professional contributions. Simon Wiesenthal Center CEO Jim Berk noted that the board selected Kreiz for his unapologetic pride in his Jewish and Israeli identity. The award was planned months before Kreiz transitioned into his current leadership role at the entertainment conglomerate.

## Corporate Stance on Discourse

During the gala, Kreiz reaffirmed his support for David Ellison’s recent response to Mark Ruffalo’s social media criticism regarding Israel. Kreiz stated he wholeheartedly agrees with the company’s stance that such commentary utilized antisemitic tropes. He emphasized that disagreements with Israeli government policies should not serve as a justification for hating Jewish individuals.

## Personal History of Survival

Kreiz shared a harrowing family story during his acceptance speech, detailing how his mother survived a Nazi raid as an infant. His mother and aunt hid in a closet while their parents sought visas, eventually finding refuge in Scotland. This history underscores his personal commitment to advocating for the safety of the Jewish people.

## Media Mogul Partnership

David Ellison, 43, praised his partner Ynon Kreiz, highlighting his decisive leadership style. Jeffrey Katzenberg, 75, introduced Ellison, noting his rapid rise to oversee major entities like Paramount, Warner Bros., and CNN. The partnership between Ellison and Kreiz represents a significant consolidation of power within the modern Hollywood studio and media landscape.

## Hostage Testimony and Resilience

The gala featured the presence of Noa Argamani, 29, who was rescued from Gaza in June 2024. Kreiz shared a poignant anecdote about Argamani and other hostages who fantasized about watching the film Barbie while in captivity. This story highlighted the cultural impact of Kreiz’s previous work at Mattel during his tenure.

## Broader Humanitarian Recognition

The evening included contributions from various advocates, including Iranian activist Elica Le Bon, 28, and news anchor Bianna Golodryga, 48, who received the Jewish Heritage Award. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also provided a recorded video message. These appearances reinforced the event's focus on global humanitarian issues and the importance of international solidarity.

## Impact of Public Advocacy

The gathering served as a platform for high-profile figures to address the intersection of entertainment, corporate responsibility, and human rights. By linking personal survival stories with contemporary political discourse, the speakers aimed to influence public perception. The event highlights how industry leaders are increasingly using their platforms to combat rising global antisemitism.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/gal-gadot-antisemitism-warning-simon-wiesenthal-center-gala-1236753712/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
