Genesis Prize

{{Infobox award

| name = The Genesis Prize

| image = Genesis Prize logo.png

| awarded_for = Outstanding expression of Jewish values or service to the Jewish community and/or to the State of Israel.

| date ={{start date and age|2013}}

| year = 2014

| website = {{URL|www.genesisprize.org/}}

}}

The Genesis Prize ({{langx|he|פרס בראשית}}) is a $1 million annual prize awarded to Jewish people who have achieved significant professional success, in recognition of their accomplishments, contributions to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values. Genesis Lifetime Achievement Awards have also been awarded.

History

The prize was founded in 2012 with a $100 million endowment from five Russian businessmen: Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, German Khan, Stan Polovets, and Alexander Knaster.{{cite web|last1=Herszenhorn|first1=David M.|title=Russians Establish $1 Million Jewish Prize With Israel|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/27/world/europe/russians-establish-1-million-jewish-prize-with-israel.html?_r=2&|website=The New York Times|access-date=18 December 2016|date=26 June 2012}} The prize was established under the administration of the Genesis Prize Foundation, in partnership with the Israeli Prime Minister's Office{{Cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |last2=Specia |first2=Megan |date=2018-04-20 |title=Natalie Portman Backs Out of Israeli Award Ceremony |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/20/world/middleeast/natalie-portman-genesis-prize.html |access-date=2022-08-16}} and the Jewish Agency for Israel.{{cite web|title=Elie Wiesel, Yuli Edelstein to help select Genesis Prize winner|url=http://www.jta.org/2013/03/25/news-opinion/world/elie-wiesel-yuli-edelstein-to-help-select-genesis-prize-winner|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=18 December 2016|date=25 March 2013}} It has been referred to as the "Jewish Nobel Prize", causing some commentators to question the need for a "Jewish" Nobel Prize.{{cite web | last=Dolsten | first=Josefin | title=The Robert Kraft prostitute scandal is another PR headache for the 'Jewish Nobel' prize | website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency | date=February 22, 2019 | url=https://www.jta.org/2019/02/22/united-states/the-robert-kraft-prostitute-scandal-is-another-pr-headache-for-the-jewish-nobel-prize | access-date=September 1, 2020}}{{cite web | title=Do the Jews really need their own Nobel Prize? | website=Jewish Journal | date=March 7, 2019 | url=https://jewishjournal.org/2019/03/07/do-the-jews-really-need-their-own-nobel-prize/ | language=la | access-date=September 1, 2020}}

In 2018, prize winner Natalie Portman declined to attend the prize ceremony because Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was set to give a speech at the ceremony.{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Natalie-Portman-says-not-boycotting-Israel-but-Netanyahu-for-atrocities-551351|title=Natalie Portman says not boycotting Israel, but Netanyahu for 'atrocities'|work=Jerusalem Post|date=April 21, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2018}} In 2019 Robert Kraft's award was also questioned because of his legal troubles.{{cite web | last=Dolsten | first=Josefin | title=Robert Kraft prostitute scandal another PR headache for the 'Jewish Nobel' prize | website=The Times of Israel | date=February 23, 2019 | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/robert-kraft-prostitute-scandal-another-pr-headache-for-the-jewish-nobel/ | access-date=September 1, 2020}}

In 2021, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was awarded a posthumous Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to his widow by the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog.{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Justin |date=November 22, 2021 |title=Rabbi Sacks posthumously given lifetime achievement award at London dinner |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/rabbi-sacks-posthumously-awarded-genesis-prize-at-glittering-london-dinner/}}

{{as of|December 2020}}, all laureates have opted to give the $1 million prize money to philanthropic causes of their choice.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=December 24, 2020|title=Natan Sharansky awarded the 2020 Genesis Prize|url=https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/israelexperience/people/pages/natan-sharansky-awarded-the-2020-genesis-prize-24-december-2020.aspx|access-date=2021-02-10|website=mfa.gov.il}}

Laureate selection

Members of the committee that selects Genesis Prize laureates are chosen based on their leadership and support for Jewish causes.{{cite web|title=Wayne Firestone Named President of Genesis Prize Foundation|url=http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/wayne-firestone-named-president-of-genesis-prize-foundation/|website=ejewishphilanthropy.com|access-date=18 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=Eli Wiesel se unió al comité de personalidades que elige al ganador del Premio Nobel Judío|url=http://www.itongadol.com.ar/noticias/val/69900/-eli-wiesel-se-unio-al-comite-de-personalidades-que-elige-al-ganador-del-premio-nobel-judio.html|website=www.itongadol.com.ar|language=es|date= 24 March 2013|access-date=18 December 2016}}{{cite news|title=Elie Wiesel appointed to Genesis Prize Committee|url=http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Elie-Wiesel-appointed-to-Genesis-Prize-Committee-307538|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=18 December 2016}} Current and former committee members include Elie Wiesel, Meir Shamgar, Lawrence Summers, Yuli Edelstein, Jonathan Sacks, Isaac Herzog, and Nathan Sharansky.

In 2020, the Foundation opened the selection process to online voting and invited the public to nominate and vote for the 2021 Genesis Prize Laureate.{{Cite news|title=Genesis Prize laureate online voting campaign is completed|url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/genesis-prize-voting-ends-with-more-than-200000-votes-651596|access-date=2021-01-17|work=The Jerusalem Post}} Close to two hundred thousand Jews on six continents participated in the voting.{{Cite web|last=Lavie|first=Dan|date=2020-09-17|title=Genesis Prize asks public to vote on nominees for 2021|url=https://www.jns.org/genesis-prize-asks-public-to-vote-on-nominees-for-2021/|access-date=2021-01-17|website=JNS.org|language=en-US}} The final selection of the Laureate remains with the two committees.{{Cite web|last=Candid|title=Robert Kraft Launches Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism|url=http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/robert-kraft-launches-foundation-to-combat-anti-semitism|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Philanthropy News Digest (PND)|language=en}}

Laureates

=Genesis Prize laureates=

align="center" class="wikitable sortable"
width="5%" \| Year ! colspan="2" width="20%" \| Laureate !Main occupations ! width="15%" \| Country ! width="60%" \| Rationale
2014 \| 75px \| Michael R. Bloomberg \|mayor of New York City, co-founder and CEO of Bloomberg L.P. \| {{flag\|United States}} \| For his "track record of outstanding public service and his role as one of the world's greatest philanthropists".{{cite web\|last1=Fitzsimmons\|first1=Emma G.\|title=Bloomberg Is First to Receive a $1 Million Jewish Award\|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/21/nyregion/bloomberg-is-first-to-receive-a-1-million-jewish-award.html\|website=The New York Times\|access-date=18 December 2016\|date=20 October 2013}}{{cite news\|title=New York Mayor Bloomberg to be awarded the 'Jewish Nobel Prize'\|url=http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/New-York-Mayor-Bloomberg-to-be-award-the-Jewish-Nobel-Prize-329306\|work=The Jerusalem Post\|access-date=18 December 2016}} {{hidden	Bloomberg donated his award to a subsequent competition, the Genesis Generation Challenge, to fund young adults' ideas to solve major problems.{{cite web\|title=Bloomberg to use inaugural Genesis Prize for new fellowship\|url=http://www.jta.org/2014/05/22/news-opinion/united-states/bloomberg-to-use-prize-for-new-genesis-fellowship\|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency\|access-date=18 December 2016\|date=22 May 2014}} Nine projects were selected from submissions: Building Up, eNable 3D Printed Prosthetics, Friends of the Arava Institute, LAVAN, Prize4Life, Sanergy, Sesame, Spark, and the Vera Fellowship Program.{{cite web\|title=Bloomberg's Genesis Prize money goes to work\|url=http://www.jta.org/2015/04/28/news-opinion/the-telegraph/bloombergs-genesis-prize-money-goes-to-work\|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency\|access-date=18 December 2016\|date=28 April 2015}}}}
2015 \| 75px \| Michael Douglas \|actor, film producer \| {{flag\|United States}} \| For "his body of work as an actor and producer; his passionate advocacy as a UN Messenger of Peace, focusing on human rights, gun violence prevention, and nuclear anti-proliferation work; and for his passion for his Jewish heritage".{{cite web\|title=Jay Leno Makes Comeback in Israel \|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/03/09/comedian-jay-leno-makes-comeback-in-israel-for-award-show \|publisher=US News \|access-date=March 9, 2015 \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150310002308/http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/03/09/comedian-jay-leno-makes-comeback-in-israel-for-award-show \|archive-date=2015-03-10 \|url-status=dead }}{{cite web\|last1=Fleishman\|first1=Jeffrey\|title=Michael Douglas to be honored by the Genesis Prize Foundation\|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-genesis-prize-michael-douglas-20150115-story.html\|website=latimes.com\|access-date=18 December 2016}} {{hidden	Douglas' award led to a program called "Avenues to Jewish Engagement for Intermarried Couples and their families," which dispersed $3.3 million in grants to organizations promoting the engagement of intermarried families in Jewish life.{{cite web\|title=Genesis Prize Foundation and Jewish Funders Network Launch Matching Grants Initiative in Honor of Michael Douglas\|url=http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/genesis-prize-foundation-and-jewish-funders-network-launch-matching-grants-initiative-in-honor-of-michael-douglas/\|website=ejewishphilanthropy.com\|access-date=18 December 2016}} A second set of grants were disbursed in 2016.{{cite web\|title=Jewish Funders Network announces recipients of Matching Grants in honor of Genesis Prize Laureate Michael Douglas\|url=http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jewish-funders-network-announces-recipients-of-matching-grants-in-honor-of-genesis-prize-laureate-michael-douglas/\|website=ejewishphilanthropy.com\|access-date=18 December 2016}}}}
2016 \| 75px \| Itzhak Perlman \|violinist \| {{flag\|Israel}} / {{flag\|United States}} \| For his "story of overcoming extraordinary personal challenges to excel as one of the world's great musicians and humanitarians".{{hidden	The prize was doubled by a donation from Roman Abramovich to $2 million.{{cite news\|title=Helen Mirren to present Genesis Prize and appear at Jerusalem Cinematheque\|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Helen-Mirren-to-present-Genesis-Prize-and-appear-at-Jerusalem-Cinematheque-457300\|work=The Jerusalem Post\|access-date=18 December 2016}}{{cite web\|title=With $1 million Genesis Prize, violinist Itzhak Perlman eyes a more inclusive world\|url=http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2016/6/24/with-1-million-genesis-prize-violinist-itzhak-perlman-eyes-a-more-inclusive-world#.V28HUGNMhQc=\|website=JNS.org\|access-date=18 December 2016\|archive-date=9 September 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909005001/http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2016/6/24/with-1-million-genesis-prize-violinist-itzhak-perlman-eyes-a-more-inclusive-world#.V28HUGNMhQc=\|url-status=dead}} Perlman re-gifted the funds to fund grant programs to support initiatives for people with disabilities in North America and in Israel, and for arts and culture. }}
2017 \| 75px \| Anish Kapoor \|sculptor specializing in installation art and conceptual art \| {{flag\|United Kingdom}} / {{flag\|India}} \| As "one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation". {{hidden	Kapoor said he would direct his $1 million award to helping alleviate the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and focus on expanding the Jewish community's engagement in a global effort to support refugees.{{cite news\|last1=Linde\|first1=Steve\|title=Sir Anish Kapoor wins 2017 Genesis Prize\|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Sir-Anish-Kapoor-wins-2017-Genesis-Prize-480676\|access-date=28 June 2017\|work=The Jerusalem Post}}{{cite news\|last1=Cohen\|first1=Rachel\|title=Genesis prize announces grant to fund breakthrough treatment for Syrian refugees\|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Genesis-prize-announces-grant-to-fund-breakthrough-treatment-for-Syrian-refugees-505908\|access-date=25 September 2017\|work=The Jerusalem Post}}}}
2018 \| 75px \| Natalie Portman \|Actor \| {{flag\|Israel}} / {{flag\|United States}} \| "In recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli roots."{{hidden	The prize was doubled by a donation from Morris Kahn to $2 million. Portman said she would donate her award funds to philanthropic programs focused on women's equality, education, economic advancement, health, and political participation.}}
2018{{refn\|group=fn\|Lifetime achievement honoree{{Cite news\|last=Shimron\|first=Yonat\|title=Ruth Bader Ginsburg was passionate about Judaism's concern for justice\|language=en-US\|work=The Washington Post\|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/09/18/ruth-bader-ginsburg-was-passionate-about-judaisms-concern-justice/\|access-date=2021-01-17}}}} \| 75px \| Ruth Bader Ginsburg \|associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States \| {{flag\|United States}} \| For her "contribution to the development of a fair and just society that provides equal opportunity for all." {{hidden	The Genesis Prize Foundation announced that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Genesis Prize."Jewish group honors Ginsburg for lifetime achievement" Washington Post, November 15, 2017 AP}}
2019 \| 75px \| Robert Kraft \|CEO of the Kraft Group, owner of the New England Patriots \| {{flag\|United States}} \| "In recognition of his philanthropy and commitment to combatting anti-Semitism." Kraft's prize money was donated to initiatives that combat anti-Semitism and prejudice.{{cite news\|title=Israel Awards Patriots Owner Kraft the 'Jewish Nobel' Prize\|url= https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/01/09/world/middleeast/ap-ml-israel-people-kraft.html\|date=9 January 2019\| access-date=14 January 2019 \|work=The New York Times}}
2020 \| 75px \| Natan Sharansky \|Soviet dissident, Chairman of the Executive for the Jewish Agency \| {{flag\|Israel}} \| In recognition, as a "legendary advocate for freedom, democracy and human rights."{{cite web\|title=Natan Sharansky, 2020 Genesis Prize Laureate\|url= https://www.genesisprize.org/laureates/laureate-2020\|date=10 December 2019\| access-date=10 December 2019 \|website=Genesisprize.org Post}}{{cite news\|title=Natan Sharansky receives Israel's prestigious Genesis Prize\|last=Federman, Joseph\|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/natan-sharansky-receives-israels-prestigious-genesis-prize/2019/12/09/b2cb6bac-1b08-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html\|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191210165907/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/natan-sharansky-receives-israels-prestigious-genesis-prize/2019/12/09/b2cb6bac-1b08-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html\|url-status= dead\|archive-date= 10 December 2019\|date=9 December 2019\| access-date=10 December 2019 \|work=The Washington Post}} His prize money was used to fund innovative solutions and interventions to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web\|date=2020-12-24\|title=Sharansky Sponsors Firms Fighting COVID-19 With $1M Genesis Prize\|url=https://nocamels.com/2020/12/sharansky-genesis-prize-10-companies-covid/\|access-date=2021-02-10\|website=NoCamels\|language=en-US}}{{Cite web\|date=2020-06-17\|title=Natan Sharansky gives to Weizmann COVID-19 research {{!}} Former Soviet refusenik donates his Genesis Prize money to pandemic needs worldwide.\|url=https://www.weizmann.ac.il/WeizmannCompass/sections/briefs/natan-sharansky-gives-to-weizmann-covid-19-research\|access-date=2021-02-10\|website=WeizmannCompass\|language=en}}
2021 \|75px \|Steven Spielberg \|filmmaker, the most commercially successful director in history{{Cite web \|title=Top Grossing Director at the Worldwide Box Office \|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/worldwide/lifetime-specific-technical-role/director \|access-date=2023-05-09 \|website=The Numbers}} \|{{flag\|United States}} \|For "his contribution to cinema, his philanthropic works and his efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust."{{Cite web\|date=February 10, 2021\|title=Spielberg wins Genesis Prize for films, philanthropy\|first=Josef\|last=Federman\|url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-israel-middle-east-football-steven-spielberg-a0cd334feacfe75147a0855e2f7280d9\|access-date=September 15, 2021\|website=AP NEWS}} {{hidden	His prize money was donated to U.S. non-profits fighting for racial and economic justice.{{cite web \|last1=Associated Press \|title=Spielberg Donates Genesis Prize Money to Justice Nonprofits \|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-03-25/spielberg-donates-genesis-prize-money-to-justice-nonprofits \|website=US News \|publisher=US News \|access-date=19 April 2021}}}}
2021{{refn\|group=fn\|Lifetime achievement honoree}} \|File:Sirjonathansacks (headshot).jpg \|Rabbi Lord Johnathan Sacks \|Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth \|{{flag\|United Kingdom}} \|For "his extraordinary role in inspiring the next generation of Jews, and his illustrious life-long work as a teacher of Jewish values and an advocate of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue."{{Cite web\|last=Cohen\|first=Justin\|title=Rabbi Sacks posthumously given lifetime achievement award at London dinner\|url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/rabbi-sacks-posthumously-awarded-genesis-prize-at-glittering-london-dinner/\|website=www.jewishnews.co.uk\|language=en-US}}
2022 \|File:Albert Bourla.jpg \|Albert Bourla \|veterinarian, CEO of Pfizer \|{{flag\|Greece}} / {{flag\|United States}} \|For "leadership, determination, and willingness to assume great risk, which resulted in the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine being ready in record time: months instead of years."{{Cite news\|title=Pfizer chief Albert Bourla wins $1 million Genesis Prize\|language=en-US\|work=Washington Post\|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/pfizer-chief-albert-bourla-wins-1-million-genesis-prize/2022/01/19/d495b5ec-78f0-11ec-9dce-7313579de434_story.html\|access-date=2022-01-19}}
2023 \| colspan="2" \| Jewish activists and NGOs supporting Ukraine \| \| \|For "working to uphold Ukraine's independence and alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine."{{Cite news\|title=2023 Genesis Prize awarded to Jewish activists in Ukraine\|language=en-US\|work=Jerusalem Post\|url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-728257\|date=11 January 2023\|access-date=2023-01-11}}
2024 \| colspan="2" \| Israeli organizations supporting hostages and their families \| \| \|For "providing treatment, counseling and support to the released and rescued hostages and their families."{{Cite news\|title=Genesis prize awarded to NGOs supporting hostages and their families\|language=en-US\|work=Jerusalem Post\|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-789433\|date=28 February 2024\|access-date=2025-05-15}}
10th Anniversary \|File:Barbra_Streisand_with_Francis_Collins_and_Anthony_Fauci_(27806589237)_(cropped).jpg \|Barbra Streisand \|singer, actor, director \|{{flag\|United States}} \|For "six decades of Streisand’s contributions to cinema and music and her commitment to improving the world."{{Cite web \|title=Barbra Streisand awarded tenth anniversary Genesis Prize \|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-741773 \|access-date=2023-05-02 \|website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com \|language=en-US}}
2025 \|File: Javier_Milei_2024_(cropped).jpg \|Javier Milei \|President of Argentina \|{{flag\|Argentina}} \|For “his unequivocal support of Israel during one of the most difficult times since the founding of the Jewish State”, in reference to the Gaza war.{{Cite web \|title=Israel’s Genesis Prize awarded to Argentinian President Javier Milei\|url= https://apnews.com/article/israel-argentina-milei-prize-genesis-jewish-43fb1b50e1b45333281c09370a347e96 \|access-date=2025-01-14 \|website=AP News {{!}} apnews.com \|language=en-US}}

align="center" class="wikitable sortable"

width="5%" | Year

! colspan="2" width="20%" | Laureate

!Main occupations

! width="15%" | Country

! width="60%" | Rationale

2014

| 75px

| Michael R. Bloomberg

|mayor of New York City, co-founder and CEO of Bloomberg L.P.

| {{flag|United States}}

| For his "track record of outstanding public service and his role as one of the world's greatest philanthropists".{{cite web|last1=Fitzsimmons|first1=Emma G.|title=Bloomberg Is First to Receive a $1 Million Jewish Award|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/21/nyregion/bloomberg-is-first-to-receive-a-1-million-jewish-award.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=18 December 2016|date=20 October 2013}}{{cite news|title=New York Mayor Bloomberg to be awarded the 'Jewish Nobel Prize'|url=http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/New-York-Mayor-Bloomberg-to-be-award-the-Jewish-Nobel-Prize-329306|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=18 December 2016}}

{{hidden

Bloomberg donated his award to a subsequent competition, the Genesis Generation Challenge, to fund young adults' ideas to solve major problems.{{cite web|title=Bloomberg to use inaugural Genesis Prize for new fellowship|url=http://www.jta.org/2014/05/22/news-opinion/united-states/bloomberg-to-use-prize-for-new-genesis-fellowship|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=18 December 2016|date=22 May 2014}} Nine projects were selected from submissions: Building Up, eNable 3D Printed Prosthetics, Friends of the Arava Institute, LAVAN, Prize4Life, Sanergy, Sesame, Spark, and the Vera Fellowship Program.{{cite web|title=Bloomberg's Genesis Prize money goes to work|url=http://www.jta.org/2015/04/28/news-opinion/the-telegraph/bloombergs-genesis-prize-money-goes-to-work|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=18 December 2016|date=28 April 2015}}}}

2015

| 75px

| Michael Douglas

|actor, film producer

| {{flag|United States}}

| For "his body of work as an actor and producer; his passionate advocacy as a UN Messenger of Peace, focusing on human rights, gun violence prevention, and nuclear anti-proliferation work; and for his passion for his Jewish heritage".{{cite web|title=Jay Leno Makes Comeback in Israel |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/03/09/comedian-jay-leno-makes-comeback-in-israel-for-award-show |publisher=US News |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150310002308/http://www.usnews.com/news/entertainment/articles/2015/03/09/comedian-jay-leno-makes-comeback-in-israel-for-award-show |archive-date=2015-03-10 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last1=Fleishman|first1=Jeffrey|title=Michael Douglas to be honored by the Genesis Prize Foundation|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-genesis-prize-michael-douglas-20150115-story.html|website=latimes.com|access-date=18 December 2016}} {{hidden

Douglas' award led to a program called "Avenues to Jewish Engagement for Intermarried Couples and their families," which dispersed $3.3 million in grants to organizations promoting the engagement of intermarried families in Jewish life.{{cite web|title=Genesis Prize Foundation and Jewish Funders Network Launch Matching Grants Initiative in Honor of Michael Douglas|url=http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/genesis-prize-foundation-and-jewish-funders-network-launch-matching-grants-initiative-in-honor-of-michael-douglas/|website=ejewishphilanthropy.com|access-date=18 December 2016}} A second set of grants were disbursed in 2016.{{cite web|title=Jewish Funders Network announces recipients of Matching Grants in honor of Genesis Prize Laureate Michael Douglas|url=http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/jewish-funders-network-announces-recipients-of-matching-grants-in-honor-of-genesis-prize-laureate-michael-douglas/|website=ejewishphilanthropy.com|access-date=18 December 2016}}}}

2016

| 75px

| Itzhak Perlman

|violinist

| {{flag|Israel}} /
{{flag|United States}}

| For his "story of overcoming extraordinary personal challenges to excel as one of the world's great musicians and humanitarians".{{hidden

The prize was doubled by a donation from Roman Abramovich to $2 million.{{cite news|title=Helen Mirren to present Genesis Prize and appear at Jerusalem Cinematheque|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Helen-Mirren-to-present-Genesis-Prize-and-appear-at-Jerusalem-Cinematheque-457300|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=18 December 2016}}{{cite web|title=With $1 million Genesis Prize, violinist Itzhak Perlman eyes a more inclusive world|url=http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2016/6/24/with-1-million-genesis-prize-violinist-itzhak-perlman-eyes-a-more-inclusive-world#.V28HUGNMhQc=|website=JNS.org|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=9 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909005001/http://www.jns.org/latest-articles/2016/6/24/with-1-million-genesis-prize-violinist-itzhak-perlman-eyes-a-more-inclusive-world#.V28HUGNMhQc=|url-status=dead}} Perlman re-gifted the funds to fund grant programs to support initiatives for people with disabilities in North America and in Israel, and for arts and culture. }}

2017

| 75px

| Anish Kapoor

|sculptor specializing in installation art and conceptual art

| {{flag|United Kingdom}} / {{flag|India}}

| As "one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation". {{hidden

Kapoor said he would direct his $1 million award to helping alleviate the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and focus on expanding the Jewish community's engagement in a global effort to support refugees.{{cite news|last1=Linde|first1=Steve|title=Sir Anish Kapoor wins 2017 Genesis Prize|url=http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Sir-Anish-Kapoor-wins-2017-Genesis-Prize-480676|access-date=28 June 2017|work=The Jerusalem Post}}{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Rachel|title=Genesis prize announces grant to fund breakthrough treatment for Syrian refugees|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Genesis-prize-announces-grant-to-fund-breakthrough-treatment-for-Syrian-refugees-505908|access-date=25 September 2017|work=The Jerusalem Post}}}}

2018

| 75px

| Natalie Portman

|Actor

| {{flag|Israel}} /
{{flag|United States}}

| "In recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli roots."{{hidden

The prize was doubled by a donation from Morris Kahn to $2 million. Portman said she would donate her award funds to philanthropic programs focused on women's equality, education, economic advancement, health, and political participation.}}

2018{{refn|group=fn|Lifetime achievement honoree{{Cite news|last=Shimron|first=Yonat|title=Ruth Bader Ginsburg was passionate about Judaism's concern for justice|language=en-US|work=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2020/09/18/ruth-bader-ginsburg-was-passionate-about-judaisms-concern-justice/|access-date=2021-01-17}}}}

| 75px

| Ruth Bader Ginsburg

|associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

| {{flag|United States}}

| For her "contribution to the development of a fair and just society that provides equal opportunity for all." {{hidden

The Genesis Prize Foundation announced that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award. The Award coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Genesis Prize."Jewish group honors Ginsburg for lifetime achievement" Washington Post, November 15, 2017 AP}}

2019

| 75px

| Robert Kraft

|CEO of the Kraft Group, owner of the New England Patriots

| {{flag|United States}}

| "In recognition of his philanthropy and commitment to combatting anti-Semitism." Kraft's prize money was donated to initiatives that combat anti-Semitism and prejudice.{{cite news|title=Israel Awards Patriots Owner Kraft the 'Jewish Nobel' Prize|url= https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/01/09/world/middleeast/ap-ml-israel-people-kraft.html|date=9 January 2019| access-date=14 January 2019 |work=The New York Times}}

2020

| 75px

| Natan Sharansky

|Soviet dissident, Chairman of the Executive for the Jewish Agency

| {{flag|Israel}}

| In recognition, as a "legendary advocate for freedom, democracy and human rights."{{cite web|title=Natan Sharansky, 2020 Genesis Prize Laureate|url= https://www.genesisprize.org/laureates/laureate-2020|date=10 December 2019| access-date=10 December 2019 |website=Genesisprize.org Post}}{{cite news|title=Natan Sharansky receives Israel's prestigious Genesis Prize|last=Federman, Joseph|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/natan-sharansky-receives-israels-prestigious-genesis-prize/2019/12/09/b2cb6bac-1b08-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191210165907/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/natan-sharansky-receives-israels-prestigious-genesis-prize/2019/12/09/b2cb6bac-1b08-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 10 December 2019|date=9 December 2019| access-date=10 December 2019 |work=The Washington Post}} His prize money was used to fund innovative solutions and interventions to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=2020-12-24|title=Sharansky Sponsors Firms Fighting COVID-19 With $1M Genesis Prize|url=https://nocamels.com/2020/12/sharansky-genesis-prize-10-companies-covid/|access-date=2021-02-10|website=NoCamels|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-06-17|title=Natan Sharansky gives to Weizmann COVID-19 research {{!}} Former Soviet refusenik donates his Genesis Prize money to pandemic needs worldwide.|url=https://www.weizmann.ac.il/WeizmannCompass/sections/briefs/natan-sharansky-gives-to-weizmann-covid-19-research|access-date=2021-02-10|website=WeizmannCompass|language=en}}

2021

|75px

|Steven Spielberg

|filmmaker, the most commercially successful director in history{{Cite web |title=Top Grossing Director at the Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-star-records/worldwide/lifetime-specific-technical-role/director |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=The Numbers}}

|{{flag|United States}}

|For "his contribution to cinema, his philanthropic works and his efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust."{{Cite web|date=February 10, 2021|title=Spielberg wins Genesis Prize for films, philanthropy|first=Josef|last=Federman|url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-israel-middle-east-football-steven-spielberg-a0cd334feacfe75147a0855e2f7280d9|access-date=September 15, 2021|website=AP NEWS}}

{{hidden

His prize money was donated to U.S. non-profits fighting for racial and economic justice.{{cite web |last1=Associated Press |title=Spielberg Donates Genesis Prize Money to Justice Nonprofits |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-03-25/spielberg-donates-genesis-prize-money-to-justice-nonprofits |website=US News |publisher=US News |access-date=19 April 2021}}}}

2021{{refn|group=fn|Lifetime achievement honoree}}

|File:Sirjonathansacks (headshot).jpg

|Rabbi Lord Johnathan Sacks

|Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth

|{{flag|United Kingdom}}

|For "his extraordinary role in inspiring the next generation of Jews, and his illustrious life-long work as a teacher of Jewish values and an advocate of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue."{{Cite web|last=Cohen|first=Justin|title=Rabbi Sacks posthumously given lifetime achievement award at London dinner|url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/rabbi-sacks-posthumously-awarded-genesis-prize-at-glittering-london-dinner/|website=www.jewishnews.co.uk|language=en-US}}

2022

|File:Albert Bourla.jpg

|Albert Bourla

|veterinarian, CEO of Pfizer

|{{flag|Greece}} /
{{flag|United States}}

|For "leadership, determination, and willingness to assume great risk, which resulted in the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine being ready in record time: months instead of years."{{Cite news|title=Pfizer chief Albert Bourla wins $1 million Genesis Prize|language=en-US|work=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/pfizer-chief-albert-bourla-wins-1-million-genesis-prize/2022/01/19/d495b5ec-78f0-11ec-9dce-7313579de434_story.html|access-date=2022-01-19}}

2023

| colspan="2" | Jewish activists and NGOs supporting Ukraine

|For "working to uphold Ukraine's independence and alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine."{{Cite news|title=2023 Genesis Prize awarded to Jewish activists in Ukraine|language=en-US|work=Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-728257|date=11 January 2023|access-date=2023-01-11}}

2024

| colspan="2" | Israeli organizations supporting hostages and their families

|For "providing treatment, counseling and support to the released and rescued hostages and their families."{{Cite news|title=Genesis prize awarded to NGOs supporting hostages and their families|language=en-US|work=Jerusalem Post|url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-789433|date=28 February 2024|access-date=2025-05-15}}

10th Anniversary

|File:Barbra_Streisand_with_Francis_Collins_and_Anthony_Fauci_(27806589237)_(cropped).jpg

|Barbra Streisand

|singer, actor, director

|{{flag|United States}}

|For "six decades of Streisand’s contributions to cinema and music and her commitment to improving the world."{{Cite web |title=Barbra Streisand awarded tenth anniversary Genesis Prize |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-741773 |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en-US}}

2025

|File: Javier_Milei_2024_(cropped).jpg

|Javier Milei

|President of Argentina

|{{flag|Argentina}}

|For “his unequivocal support of Israel during one of the most difficult times since the founding of the Jewish State”, in reference to the Gaza war.{{Cite web |title=Israel’s Genesis Prize awarded to Argentinian President Javier Milei|url= https://apnews.com/article/israel-argentina-milei-prize-genesis-jewish-43fb1b50e1b45333281c09370a347e96 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=AP News {{!}} apnews.com |language=en-US}}

Controversies

The Prize came under scrutiny from the start for its "right-leaning, overwhelmingly male selection committee."{{Cite web |date=2013-04-26 |title=Can $1 Million Genesis Prize Inspire Jews Year After Year? |url=https://forward.com/news/175465/can-1-million-genesis-prize-inspire-jews-year-aft/ |access-date=2022-08-16 |website=The Forward |language=en}}

According to Haaretz, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was initially the sole 2018 award recipient. But according to a committee source, when the Prime Minister's Office learned that a critic of Trump would be publicly given an award by Netanyahu, it was transferred to Portman. As consolation, Ginsburg was given a separate "Lifetime Achievement Award." Another committee source denied this was the reason the award was changed.{{Cite news |title=Why Was the 'Jewish Nobel' Snatched From Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Given to Natalie Portman? |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-11-17/ty-article/.premium/jewish-nobel-snatched-from-ruth-bader-ginsburg-given-to-natalie-portman/0000017f-e922-da9b-a1ff-ed6f12200000 |access-date=2022-08-16}}

On November 7, 2017, the Genesis Prize Foundation announced that actress Natalie Portman was the 2018 Genesis Prize Laureate, and that she would donate the $1 million Genesis Prize Award to philanthropic programs focused on women's equality, education, economic advancement, health, and political participation.{{cite news|title=Natalie Portman honored in Israel with 'Jewish Nobel Prize'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2017/11/07/natalie-portman-honored-in-israel-with-jewish-nobel-prize/107424870/|access-date=21 April 2018|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=7 November 2017}}{{cite news|last1=Sabur|first1=Rozina|title=Natalie Portman pulls out of 'Jewish Nobel' over recent events in Israel|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/20/natalie-portman-pulls-jewish-nobel-recent-events-israel/|access-date=21 April 2018|work=The Telegraph|date=20 April 2018}} A month later, Israeli philanthropist Morris Kahn pledged another $1 million in Portman's honor, bringing the total gift to $2 million.{{cite news|last1=Maltz|first1=Judy|title=Natalie Portman to Keep $2m Genesis Prize Despite Boycotting Israel Ceremony, Source Says|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-portman-keeping-2m-genesis-prize-despite-boycott-sources-say-1.6013246|access-date=21 April 2018|work=Haaretz|date=20 April 2018}} The prize ceremony was canceled in April 2018 after Portman's representatives told the press that "recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel." Portman later claimed that she was not boycotting Israel, but that she didn't want to "appear as endorsing" prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was set to give a speech at the ceremony.{{cite web|date=April 21, 2018|title=Natalie Portman says not boycotting Israel, but Netanyahu for 'atrocities'|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Natalie-Portman-says-not-boycotting-Israel-but-Netanyahu-for-atrocities-551351|access-date=April 21, 2018|work=Jerusalem Post}}{{cite news|last1=Dolsten|first1=Josefin|title=Genesis Prize cancels ceremony after 2018 winner Natalie Portman said she won't visit Israel|url=https://www.jta.org/2018/04/19/news-opinion/genesis-prize-cancels-ceremony-2018-winner-natalie-portman-said-wont-visit-israel|access-date=21 April 2018|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|date=19 April 2018}}

In January 2020, partly as a result of the Portman controversy, the Genesis Prize Foundation and the Israeli Prime Minister's Office agreed to terminate their agreement{{cite news |title=Prime Minister's Office exits Genesis Prize partnership |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Prime-Ministers-Office-exits-Genesis-Prize-partnership-615498 |access-date=March 7, 2020 |work=Jerusalem Post |date=January 27, 2020}} which required the Prime Minister to present the award to the Genesis Prize Laureate at a ceremony in Jerusalem.{{Cite news|title=Prime Minister's Office exits Genesis Prize partnership|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/prime-ministers-office-exits-genesis-prize-partnership-615498|access-date=2021-01-13|work=The Jerusalem Post}}

In 2019, Prize Laureate Robert Kraft was named as one of more than 200 people involved in a Florida solicitation sting operation.{{Cite web|date=2019-02-22|title=The Robert Kraft prostitute scandal is another PR headache for the 'Jewish Nobel' prize|url=https://www.jta.org/2019/02/22/united-states/the-robert-kraft-prostitute-scandal-is-another-pr-headache-for-the-jewish-nobel-prize|access-date=2021-01-13|website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|language=en-US}} Genesis Prize Foundation Chairman Stan Polovets said that the Prize to Kraft would not be rescinded, noting that in democratic countries "everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence."{{Cite news|title=Genesis Prize co-founder to 'Post': We stand with Robert Kraft|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/genesis-prize-co-founder-to-post-we-stand-with-robert-kraft-581811|access-date=2021-01-13|work=The Jerusalem Post}} All charges against Kraft were later dropped.{{Cite web|author=Hollie Silverman and Kelly McCleary|title=Solicitation charges dropped against New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/24/us/florida-robert-kraft-solicitation-charges-dropped/index.html|access-date=2021-01-13|website=CNN}}