The Jerusalem Film Festival held its 42nd opening ceremony at Sultan’s Pool on Thursday night, honoring Hollywood star Gal Gadot and American producer Lawrence Bender, who received special awards of recognition.

Gadot received two awards of recognition onstage, one from the Jerusalem Film Festival for her contribution to international cinema and her success over two decades of work, and the other from Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America for her unwavering and courageous support of Israel and for using her global platform to promote truth and justice on behalf of Israel.

“I love my country, and I’m proud to be a part of it and to raise our voice for it,” said Gadot. “With so many film lovers here tonight, I want to use this opportunity to say: ‘I can’t wait to make an Israeli film — send me scripts!'”

Gadot also expressed her hopes for an end to the war and the return of the hostages. “I pray this war will end and that there will be peace and security for everyone,” she said. “I want to breathe again — and that will only happen when the hostages come home.”

The Jerusalem Film Festival held its 42nd opening ceremony at Sultan’s Pool on Thursday night, honoring Hollywood star Gal Gadot and American producer Lawrence Bender, who received special awards of recognition.