The Genesis Prize () is a $1 million annual prize awarded to 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. The prize was established under the administration of the Genesis Prize Foundation, in partnership with the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Jewish Agency for Israel. It is commonly referred to as the "Jewish Nobel Prize".
The prize has been handed out every year since 2014. Additionally there has been 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as a 10th Anniversary prize.
, all laureates have opted to give the $1 million prize money to philanthropic causes of their choice.
Laureate selection Members of the committee that selects Genesis Prize laureates are chosen based on their leadership and support for Jewish causes. Current and former committee members include Elie Wiesel, Meir Shamgar, Lawrence Summers, Yuli Edelstein, Jonathan Sacks, Isaac Herzog, and Natan 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. Close to two hundred thousand Jews on six continents participated in the voting. The final selection of the Laureate remains with the two committees.
Laureates Genesis Prize laureates Year Laureatenames Main occupations Country Rationale Philanthropic theme 2014 Michael R. Bloombergmayor of New York City, co-founder and CEO of Bloomberg L.P. For his "track record of outstanding public service and his role as one of the world's greatest philanthropists". Social entrepreneurship based on Jewish values 2015 Michael Douglasactor, film producer 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". Welcoming intermarried families in Jewish life 2016 Itzhak Perlmanviolinist / For his "story of overcoming extraordinary personal challenges to excel as one of the world's great musicians and humanitarians". Improving the lives of individuals with special needs 2017 Anish Kapoorsculptor specializing in installation art and conceptual art / As "one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation". Helping to alleviate the global refugee crisis 2018 Natalie Portman actress / "In recognition of her commitment to social causes and deep connection to her Jewish and Israeli roots." Advancing women's equality 2018 Lifetime achievement honoree Ruth Bader Ginsburgassociate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States For her "contribution to the development of a fair and just society that provides equal opportunity for all." Advancing women's equality 2019 Robert KraftCEO of the Kraft Group, owner of the New England Patriots "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. Combating antisemitism and efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel 2020 Natan SharanskySoviet dissident, Chairman of the Executive for the Jewish Agency In recognition, as a "legendary advocate for freedom, democracy and human rights." His prize money was used to fund innovative solutions and interventions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Assisting those affected by the COVID pandemic 2021Steven Spielbergfilmmaker, the most commercially successful director in historyFor "his contribution to cinema, his philanthropic works and his efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust." Fighting for racial and economic justice2021 Lifetime achievement honoreeRabbi Lord Johnathan SacksChief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the CommonwealthFor "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." 2022Albert Bourlaveterinarian, CEO of Pfizer / 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." Preserving the memory of Jewish communities destroyed during the Nazi occupation of Greece 2023 Jewish activists and NGOs supporting UkraineFor "working to uphold Ukraine's independence and alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine." Assisting Jewish activists and NGOs working to alleviate the suffering of the people of Ukraine 2024 Israeli organizations supporting hostages and their familiesFor "providing treatment, counseling and support to the released and rescued hostages and their families." Supporting humanitarian assistance, treatment, rehabilitation and counseling for hostages rescued or released from Hamas captivity and their families 10th Anniversary Barbra Streisandsinger, actress, directorFor "six decades of Streisand's contributions to cinema and music and her commitment to improving the world." Supporting equity in women's health, fighting climate change, combatting disinformation, and aiding the Ukrainian people 2025Javier MileiPresident of ArgentinaFor “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. Fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between Israel and Latin American nations, by envisioning the Isaac Accords. The funds were used to help establish the American Friends of Isaac Accords, a nonprofit organization.2026Gal Gadotactress, producer / For “her advocacy for hostages, support of Israel and empathy for all innocent people affected by the war." To help Israelis heal, rebuild, and recover.
Controversies On November 7, 2017, the Foundation announced Portman as the 2018 laureate, and her decision to donate the $1 million in prize money to philanthropic programs focused on women's equality, education, economic advancement, health, and political participation. A month later, Israeli philanthropist Morris Kahn pledged another $1 million in Portman's honor, bringing the total gift to $2 million. 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" Netanyahu, who was set to give a speech at the ceremony.
In January 2020, partly as a result of the Portman controversy, the Genesis Prize Foundation and the PMO terminated their agreement, ending the Prime Minister's participation in the ceremony.
In 2019, Prize Laureate Robert Kraft was named as one of more than 200 people involved in a Florida solicitation sting operation. 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." All charges against Kraft were later dropped.
Jonathan Tobin questioned whether giving an award to a famous recipient was a distraction from reinvigorating Jewish institutions.
Laureates per country Below is a chart of all laureates per country (updated to include 2026 laureates). Some laureates are counted more than once if have multiple citizenship. CountryNumber of laureates1042111
Notes
References
External links Genesis Prize