Gal Gadot Calls for Holocaust Remembrance and Education in Moving Speech
Gal Gadot Calls for Holocaust Remembrance and Education in Moving Speech
In a powerful address at an international Holocaust remembrance event, renowned actress Gal Gadot implored younger generations to confront the lessons of history and actively combat hatred in all its forms. Her speech resonated deeply, emphasizing the critical importance of education and remembrance in preventing future atrocities.
Gadot, herself a granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, spoke passionately about the need to keep the memories of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis alive. "The Holocaust is not just a chapter in history; it is a profound warning," she stated, her voice filled with conviction. "It reminds us of the fragility of peace and the devastating consequences of unchecked prejudice and indifference."
The actress highlighted the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors, underscoring the urgent responsibility of those who remain to pass on their testimonies. "Their stories are our stories," she asserted. "They are a sacred trust, and it is our duty to ensure that their voices are never silenced, their experiences never forgotten."
Gadot urged attendees, particularly younger individuals, to engage with historical accounts, visit memorials, and listen to the narratives of survivors. "Learning about the Holocaust is not just about understanding the past; it's about shaping a more tolerant and compassionate future," she explained. "It's about recognizing the insidious nature of antisemitism and other forms of hatred, and finding the courage to speak out against them."
Her call to action extended beyond mere remembrance, advocating for proactive measures to counter rising waves of intolerance and bigotry globally. "We must teach our children the values of empathy, respect, and understanding," Gadot emphasized. "We must empower them to be upstanders, not bystanders, in the face of injustice."
The event, attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and Holocaust survivors, served as a poignant reminder of humanity's darkest chapter and a renewed commitment to fostering a world free from hatred. Gadot's eloquent and heartfelt speech undoubtedly left a lasting impression, reinforcing the vital role of education and remembrance in building a more just and humane society.
Gal Gadot says Imagine video was in poor taste
Actress Gal Gadot has said a viral video she and some fellow Hollywood stars made at the beginning of the pandemic was "in poor taste".
The video saw the 36-year-old partner with fellow actors who each sang a line from John Lennon's 1971 single Imagine.
Jamie Dornan, Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell took part in the stunt, which was widely mocked on social media.
Gadot told InStyle she had had "all pure intentions, but sometimes you don't hit the bullseye".
When the video was released, it was criticised by fans as being tone deaf and cringe-worthy.
At a time when many were distressed by the outbreak of coronavirus, many said A-list stars recording videos in their mansions was out of touch.
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Wonder Woman star Gadot said that, with hindsight, the video was "premature".
"I was calling Kristen [Wiig] and I was like, 'Listen, I want to do this thing,'" the actress explained. "The pandemic was in Europe and Israel before it came [to the US] in the same way.
"I was seeing where everything was headed. But [the video] was premature. It wasn't the right timing, and it wasn't the right thing. It was in poor taste.
"All pure intentions, but sometimes you don't hit the bullseye, right? I felt like I wanted to take the air out of it, so that was a delightful opportunity to do that."
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Amy Adams, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, Chris O'Dowd, singer Sia and model Cara Delevingne were among the other stars who took part in the video.
It has been viewed more than 10 million times on Instagram since it was published in March 2020.
Every celebrity was seen singing a single line from the Lennon hit, and the clips were then stitched together.
Podcast host Joe Rogan called the participating celebrities "idiots" for recording the video while "everyone's granny is dying".
But Belfast star Dornan defended Gadot against the critics, saying she was "trying to do a good thing".
