Gal Gadot, celebrities worldwide condemn surprise attack on Israel

Gal Gadot was one of a host of celebrities posting on social media to mourn those killed in the terror attacks on Israelis carried  out by Hamas on Saturday.

Gadot shared her grief and outrage with her 109 million Instagram followers in an Instagram story and a post that included a news photo from BBC news and a screen shot of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s post about the events. 

"At least 200 Israeli have been murdered and dozens of women children and elders held as hostages in Gaza, by Hamas," wrote Gadot.

"Starting early morning more than 3,000 rockets were fire. Hamas is holding hostages, and controlling bases and settlements in Israel. There have been more than 1000 injured and heavy fighting is still ongoing."

“I hear their voices and they are banging on the door. I am with my two little children.”

Later, she posted a white Star of David on a blue background with the words, “I stand with Israel,” an image that has been widely shared on social media.

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A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot)

As celebrities  took to social media to condemn the massacre of Israelis by Hamas,  Bono, the U2 frontman, went a step further during a Las Vegas show by U2 on Sunday, and spoke out about the hundreds of young victims murdered at an Israeli music festival. 

Bono of U2 talks about the hundreds of young men and women who were murdered by Hamas terrorists at the music festival in #Israel.His statement was made during the band’s concert at The Sphere on Sunday night in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/UtFYjdGfVv

— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 9, 2023

“We sing for our brothers and sisters, who they themselves were singing at the Supernova Succot festival in Israel. We sing for those. Our people. Our kind of people. Music people, playful, experimental people. Our kind of people. We sing for them," said Bono. 

He led the crowd in a singalong of the group's hit, "Pride (In the Name of Love)" but changed the opening lyrics to directly reference the killings: "Early morning/October 7/The sun is rising in the desert sky/Stars of David/They took your life/But they could not take your pride."

At @U2’s Sunday night concert at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Bono changed the lyrics to Pride to reflect the hundreds murdered in #Israel. pic.twitter.com/tSx7ND0R3q

— jayewatson (@jayewatson) October 9, 2023

Israeli and Jewish celebrities speak out

She also shared several posts by another Israeli actor, Fauda star and co-creator, Lior Raz, who posted news clips of the carnage and wrote on Instagram: “Our country was attacked by a cruel enemy who murdered children, women, and men in cold blood in their beds. They took captive babies, mothers, and older people."

"On the eve of a holiday, they are proud that they have attacked prosperous and peace-loving villages of farmers and looted their homes; they massacred children who were celebrating at a nature party and [they called] their crimes a victory. This is not a victory. It is darkness fighting light. We Israelis are once again in a difficult time. We know how to fight for our lives and we will never abandon any Jewish child. This is our way.”

Israeli pop star Noa Kirel posted a story showing an Israeli flag, along with the words: “Be strong and take care of yourselves. Am Yisrael Chai!”  

Noga Erez, another Israeli singer with an international following, posted several Instagram stories about events in Israel, including a broken heart on a black background and a photo of woman who is believed to have been kidnapped by Hamas along with her daughters, above which she wrote, “I can’t handle this.” 

Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, who starred in Angels & Demons with Tom Hanks, posted several Instagram stories about today’s events, including one saying that Jordan River Village, a camp for children with illnesses, had opened its doors to families of special-needs children during the crisis.

Guy Nattiv, the Israeli director who just made the movie Golda, shared photos and names of missing Israelis on his Instagram account.

Brett Ratner, the producer/director of such big-budget movies as Rush Hour, who reportedly has just moved to Israel in the wake of multiple sexual abuse allegations in the US, also posted photos of missing Israelis believed to have been kidnapped, as well as several other posts about emphasizing his support for Israel, including an “I Stand With Israel” image.

American actor/comedian Josh Gad posted a news article about the attacks and wrote, “I have no words. I am praying for my many family members in Israel. What a cowardly act. What we are witnessing in real time right now is unprecedented since the Yom Kippur war. My heart breaks for the families of those who have lost loved ones, and for the hostages who have been taken. What a horrific day.”

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Many celebrities known for their frequent criticism of Israel had nothing to say [at least, not at press time], including rock star Roger Waters and model Bella Hadid.

But Bella’s father, Mohammad Hadid, posted an Instagram story criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and added a post with quote from Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, in which Hadid blamed these Israeli politicians for the day of horrific attacks by Hamas.

“This less of a human and Bibi and the far right government of this Zionist State is responsible for creation of this massive escalation between the occupied and the occupier," wrote Hadid. "It’s that simple. Erasing the Palestinians off the map at United nation is organized arrogance.. (the New Middle East) it’s shameful..."