Israeli actress Gal Gadot has turned her recent recognition as the 2026 Genesis Prize laureate into a substantial lifeline for mental health services across Israel. By directing her one million dollar award toward trauma care, Gadot sparked a broader fundraising effort led by the Jewish Funders Network, which brought in an additional two million dollars in private and corporate donations. In total, the three million dollar initiative will be distributed among twenty four nonprofit organizations dedicated to treating the psychological scars left by the October 7 attacks and the subsequent conflicts.
Among the beneficiaries are prominent groups such as United Hatzalah, Make-A-Wish Israel, and CareGivers Israel. These funds are earmarked for a wide range of essential services, including trauma counseling and social work throughout northern, southern, and central Israel. Notably, Gadot has placed a strong emphasis on supporting those who provide the care, acknowledging that doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals have faced immense pressure and personal trauma while spending the last three years tending to others.
In a heartfelt statement accompanying the announcement, Gadot explained that true recovery begins from within and emphasized that caring for one another is the only way to move forward. She linked this mission to her Jewish heritage and a felt responsibility to help repair what has been broken during this period of national hardship. By focusing on both survivors and their caregivers, she hopes to foster a sense of connection that could eventually lead to a more peaceful future for families and entire communities.
The selection process was rigorous, with the Genesis Prize Foundation reviewing one hundred and fifty applications before narrowing them down based on organizational capacity and proven impact. This initiative follows in the footsteps of previous laureates like Steven Spielberg and Michael Bloomberg, reinforcing the reputation of the Genesis Prize as a vehicle for significant humanitarian change. According to foundation chairman Stan Polovets, Gadot’s decision transformed her individual honor into a collective engine for healing across the country.
