Real-life wonder women: former hostages meet Gal Gadot

Survivors of Hamas captivity – Doron Steinbrecher; Liri Albag; Naama Levy; Moran Stella Yanai; and Ilana Gritzewsky – met Israeli actress Gal Gadot for a private and emotional conversation in Israel on Tuesday, 22 July

Gadot, an acclaimed Hollywood actress who shot to international fame when she played Wonder Woman in 2017, was in Israel on a visit.

Albag and Levy, Israel Defense Forces observation soldiers, were freed in January 2025, as was Steinbrecher, a civilian. Stella Yanai and Gritzewsky were both freed in November 2023. Gritzewsky’s boyfriend, Matan Zangauker, is still held hostage in Gaza.

During the meeting, the women shared their personal stories in captivity, and thanked Gadot for her outspoken support for the fight to bring the hostages home.

They emphasised how crucial it was to continue to raise global awareness and to speak out for the 50 hostages – women and men – still held by Hamas in Gaza.

Steinbrecher said to Gadot, “Don’t stop. We must keep talking, and keep them in people’s hearts and minds.”

Gadot said to the women, “You’ve all been through incredibly difficult things, and I can’t believe you’re standing here today, continuing your lives, and fighting for others. Watching you carry the weight for those still in captivity – you are an inspiration, and you are strength. I hope with all my heart they all come home soon.”

Gadot grew up in Rosh HaAyin, and first gained attention after winning Miss Israel in 2004. She is the first Israeli actor to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.

While in Israel, she went to visit the Gaza border area, including the site of the Nova festival massacre.

She also attended the 42nd Jerusalem Film Festival, where she said visiting the Gaza border made her realise how important it was for people to tell their stories. “The most important thing all of us wish is that we can breathe again calmly, and we will be able to do that when the hostages return home,” Gadot said, emphasising that she hoped it would be soon.

“I pray this war will end soon, and there will be peace and security for everyone,” she told those at the film festival.