Pro-Palestine protesters have once again disrupted the filming of Gal Gadot's new movie, "The Runner," in London, underlining the ongoing tensions surrounding her outspoken support for Israel. On a recent morning at Waterloo Bridge, demonstrators adorned in keffiyehs shouted slogans such as "Gal Gadot, not welcome here" and "shame on you," while they waved Palestinian flags and brandished signs that read, "Stop Starving Gaza." The protesters' chants echoed the sentiment of previous demonstrations, reflecting a significant opposition to Gadot's public stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has intensified notably since the tragic events of October 7, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel.
The disruptive gathering is not an isolated incident; it marks the second protest targeting Gadot's filming within just eight days. Previously, protests had similarly halted production in Moorgate, reflecting a calculated strategy by activists to voice their dissent against Gadot's involvement in a project produced by David Kosse's new company, Rockwood Pictures. According to reports, the filming centres on a narrative that sees Gadot portray a high-powered attorney racing against time to save her kidnapped son, an emotionally charged plot that contrasts sharply with the political tensions surrounding her real-life persona.
Scotland Yard dispatched officers to manage the situation and effectively moved protesters away from the scene, with no arrests reported. Witnesses noted that Gadot, dressed in black, appeared to engage with crew members amid the clamor directed at her from across the bridge. The tension was palpable, with protestors reminding her of their grievances through megaphones. The actress's involvement in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has positioned her as a polarising figure, especially in light of her vocal support for Israel's military actions in Gaza following the recent escalation in violence.
This incident follows various disruptions associated with Gadot's public appearances, including a recent Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony that also faced divisions among demonstrators. Outside the prestigious event, pro-Palestinian activists clashed with supporters of Israel, surrounding Gadot with chants of "Heroes fight like Palestinians" as she celebrated her career milestone. In another harrowing moment, clashes erupted when a pro-Palestine protester allegedly stole a flag from a pro-Israel supporter, highlighting the fraught atmosphere that has characterised Gadot's recent engagements.
Gal Gadot herself has addressed the growing political tensions, expressing her internal conflict about the intersection of her celebrity status and the gravity of world events. In a recent interview, she articulated her struggle between wanting to entertain as an artist and feeling compelled to advocate for humanity in light of the horrors witnessed in recent months. With references to her family's history—being a granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor—she has voiced her commitment to humanitarian values, stating, "I am all about humanity and I felt like I had to advocate for the hostages," as she called for a future where safety and prosperity can be shared by all.
As the protests against her continue to escalate, the question remains whether Gadot can navigate this turbulent landscape, balancing her role as an actress and her personal convictions. While her film "The Runner" aims to entertain, the palpable political climate suggests that the dialogue surrounding her presence in London will persist, intertwining celebrity culture with substantial socio-political issues.
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Source: Noah Wire Services