Gal Gadot Channels $3 Million to Israeli Mental Health Initiatives
Gal Gadot directs $3 million in Genesis Prize funds and donor contributions to 27 Israeli mental health and trauma recovery organizations.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, recipient of the 2026 Genesis Prize, is channeling $3 million in grants to 27 Israeli organizations dedicated to mental health support and trauma recovery.
Supporting Healing After October 7
The funding initiative combines Gadot’s $1 million prize award—often referred to as the "Jewish Nobel"—with an additional $2 million raised in partnership with the Jewish Funders Network. The grants aim to bolster mental health professionals, social workers, educators, and families grappling with the severe psychological fallout of the October 7 massacre and the ongoing conflicts.
"After three years of war, loss, and unparalleled hardship, I chose to dedicate the prize grants to the therapists and medical teams who assist every day those rebuilding their lives," Gadot stated.
Rigorous Selection and Urgent Needs
Out of some 150 applications reviewed over a two-month selection process, 27 organizations were chosen, including Make-A-Wish Israel, United Hatzalah, and CareGivers Israel. The selection prioritized professional capacity and the potential to expand psychological support systems across diverse populations.
The initiative addresses a critical surge in demand within Israel's mental health infrastructure. A 2025 State Comptroller report revealed that 34% of Israeli adults—representing roughly 2.5 to 3 million citizens—have reported moderate to severe post-traumatic symptoms following years of national trauma.
