“Snow White” actress Gal Gadot returned to her homeland on Sunday to stand with grieving families at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, widely regarded as the epicenter of Israel’s hostage activism. 

The former Israel Defense Forces soldier and “Wonder Woman” star embraced those whose loved ones have been held by Hamas for nearly two years since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Her visit coincided with “Israel on Hold” day – a nationwide protest organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is demanding the government prioritize negotiations for the release of the roughly 50 remaining hostages abducted during the Hamas-led assault. Nearly 20 are believed to still be alive.

Families fear the government’s recent approval of an expanded military campaign in Gaza, including a planned takeover of Gaza City, could endanger their loved ones rather than secure their release.

Gal Gadot with Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (The Hostages and Missing Families Forum)

Gadot has long been one of Israel’s most prominent cultural figures and has repeatedly used her platform to speak out in support of her home country. 

That visibility, however, has also made her a target of criticism abroad. 

The actress, who most recently starred in “Snow White,” reportedly said in an interview with Channel Keshet 12 that she believes pressure in Hollywood for celebrities “to speak out against Israel” contributed to the film’s disappointing box-office performance. She argued that backlash over her outspoken pro-Israel stance has bled into her career, according to the Jerusalem Post. Despite the criticism, she has continued to draw international attention to the cause.