Gal Gadot's family changed their last name from Greenstein to Gadot, a common practice for many Jewish families who migrated to Israel. This name transformation was deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the country.
The primary reasons behind the surname change were centered on assimilation and the embrace of a new national identity:
- Assimilation into a Shared Jewish Identity: For many diaspora Jews who migrated to Israel, adopting a Hebrew surname like Gadot was a significant step toward integrating and forming a new, shared Jewish identity within their new homeland. It symbolized a connection to the land and its people.
- Erasing Diaspora Remnants: This practice also aimed to "erase remnants of their diaspora experience." By taking on a Hebrew surname, families sought to shed connections to their past lives in the diaspora and fully embrace their new Israeli identity, free from historical associations tied to their previous homelands.
It's also interesting to note that Gal Gadot's first name, Gal, holds meaning in Hebrew, translating to "wave." This further highlights the connection to the Hebrew language and Israeli culture embedded within her name.
