At the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Humanitarian Award Dinner, actress Gal Gadot delivered an emotional tribute to Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz, highlighting his steadfast leadership during a time of rising antisemitism worldwide. The event took place on November 11 at the Beverly Wilshire, where Gadot expressed her concerns about the alarming spread of hatred toward Jews.
Gadot’s Concerns on Antisemitism
“I’m frightened by how quickly hatred of Jews is spreading — and how openly it is expressed and accepted,” Gadot told attendees. Reflecting on the aftermath of the horrific October 7 massacre and the ensuing conflict, she questioned, “If people get used to hearing and seeing hatred and looking the other way, then where does it end?”
Hope Through Leadership
Despite her fears, Gadot found solace in Kreiz’s unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism. “What gives me hope is that people like Ynon aren’t wavering,” she stated. “He’s doing what he’s always done. He’s standing firm. He feels what our community is going through. He’s sticking up against antisemitism.” Gadot described Kreiz’s leadership as a “beacon of light,” especially significant in these dark times.
Kreiz’s Leadership at Skydance
Kreiz, who previously served as CEO of Mattel for eight years, was appointed co-CEO of Skydance in late September. He is responsible for the daily operations and the integration of interests from Warner Bros. and Paramount. During the event, he echoed Gadot’s sentiments, stating, “Disagreement with the policies of the Israeli government cannot become an excuse for the hatred of Jews.”
He expressed appreciation for fellow Skydance head, David Ellison, lauding him for taking a “bold stand for Israel and the Jewish people” while advocating for an unshakeable relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Ellison himself praised Kreiz, noting that he is not one to shy away from challenges. “He rolls up his sleeves to get things done,” Ellison remarked, highlighting Kreiz’s hands-on leadership style.
Endorsements from Industry Peers
Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, also spoke about Kreiz’s new role at Skydance, underscoring the immense responsibility that comes with it. “This is a huge responsibility and one which can actually determine the very future and the vibrancy of Hollywood,” he said. Katzenberg expressed confidence in Kreiz’s ability to lead effectively during this pivotal period in the industry.
Kreiz’s Vision for Skydance
In his remarks, Kreiz thanked Ellison for assisting him in his new role, stating that he aims to transform Skydance into a “next-generation media and entertainment company powered by creativity and technology.” He emphasized the moral obligations of business leadership, vowing to prioritize the people they serve and uphold truth and facts. “We intend to use talents and influence for good, and we expect to be held to that standard,” he asserted.
The Significance of the Event
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, which organized the gala, is dedicated to combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance and justice through education and advocacy. This year’s Humanitarian Award was given to Kreiz, alongside other honorees such as Elica Le Bon, who received the Medal of Valor, and Bianna Golodryga, who was awarded the Jewish Heritage Award. The night underscored the ongoing fight against hatred and the importance of community solidarity in challenging times.
