Stan Polovets and Ruth Bader
Genesis Prize laureates engage meaningfully with the Jewish community and use their platform and resources for the greater good.
The Genesis Prize stands as a symbol of recognition and celebration for those who have achieved significant professional success, contributed to humanity, and are committed to their Jewish heritage and values. But what does it mean to be a Genesis Prize laureate?
Stan Polovets co-founded the Genesis Prize Foundation with the vision of fostering a vibrant and united Jewish community by highlighting and celebrating the values that have shaped Jewish history and identity.
“We are living in a time where assimilation and antisemitism have inhibited open expressions of Jewish identity around the globe. The [Genesis Prize] Foundation saw an opportunity to use a new tool for fostering that pride: spotlighting a Jewish individual who has achieved unparalleled professional success while speaking openly and positively about their Jewish identity,” says Stan Polovets.
The Genesis Prize Foundation’s commitment to these principles is reflected in the prize. Each year, a $1 million award is given to an individual or group who demonstrates excellence in their field and exemplifies the spirit of giving back. After inaugural recipient Mike Bloomberg donated his award, every subsequent recipient has done the same, giving the prize funds to causes meaningful to them.
Honoring Excellence: A Decade of Laureates
Since its inception, the Genesis Prize has recognized honorees who span wide-ranging fields, from politics and business to entertainment and social activism, showcasing the multifaceted contributions of the Jewish community to the world. Each laureate is given the opportunity to direct the prize funds to philanthropic causes, creating a ripple effect that benefits countless individuals and organizations.
The Genesis Prize began in 2014 with Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City and a noted philanthropist, as its first laureate. Bloomberg chose to direct his $1 million award to the creation of the Genesis Generation Challenge, a global competition to inspire young social entrepreneurs to tackle pressing social issues with innovative solutions.
In 2015, the Genesis Prize was awarded to Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas. Douglas utilized the opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of intermarried families into Jewish communities, striving to create a more welcoming and diverse environment that strengthens bonds.
In 2016, world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman received the Genesis Prize, saying that he was “humbled and honored” by the recognition. Perlman directed his award to support initiatives that champion the inclusion of people with disabilities, contributing significantly to a more accessible and inclusive society.
Sculptor Anish Kapoor, honored in 2017 for his contributions to the modern art world and tireless advocacy for refugees, allocated his prize funds to help address the worldwide refugee crisis. Kapoor’s humanitarian focus highlighted the urgent need for support and advocacy for displaced populations worldwide.
The following year, 2018, saw The Genesis Prize Foundation bestow its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award upon U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Celebrated for her trailblazing civil rights and women’s advocacy work, Justice Ginsburg was chosen by all previous Genesis Prize laureates for her profound contributions to justice and equality.
In 2019, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots football team, received the award and focused his efforts on fighting antisemitism, announcing the creation of a new foundation and his personal contribution of $20 million to help counter the growing threat of antisemitism and all forms of hate around the world.
Human rights activist Natan Sharansky was honored in 2020. With the world struggling with the COVID pandemic, Sharansky directed his prize funds to organizations supporting vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic.
In 2021, filmmaker and philanthropist Steven Spielberg received the Genesis Prize and directed his award to organizations that work toward racial and economic justice in the United States.
Also in 2021, the foundation awarded a posthumous Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi of the U.K. Rabbi Sacks was honored for his role in inspiring the next generation of Jews, his lifelong work as a teacher, and as an advocate of interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
The 2022 laureate Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, was recognized for his leadership during the pandemic and pivotal role in quickly developing and distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. Bourla’s Genesis Prize money helped support the establishment of a Holocaust museum in his hometown of Thessaloniki, Greece.
In 2023, Jewish activists and organizations aiding the people of Ukraine were recognized for their vital contributions during the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the Jewish community’s critical role in supporting the innocent citizens of Ukraine.
This year, The Genesis Prize Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary by awarding the prize to Barbra Streisand, the celebrated actor, singer, author, director, and activist. Streisand allocated her award funds to nonprofit organizations focusing on environmental protection, women’s health, combating media disinformation, and supporting Ukraine.
The 2024 Genesis Prize honored Israeli organizations dedicated to providing care, counseling, and support to former hostages abducted and held by Hamas and the hostages’ families. This recognition was part of a broader initiative to raise global awareness about the hostages’ plight and ensure their concerns remain a priority for international leaders.
Measuring Impact: Beyond the Monetary Value
Over the past decade, Genesis Prize grants — including additional funding from other philanthropists — have totaled more than $50 million for over 200 nongovernmental organizations worldwide, reflecting the Genesis Prize’s broad and lasting influence.
The Genesis Prize selection process has evolved, seeking to engage the voices of Jews worldwide. In recent years, nominations have been solicited from Jews around the world, with a rigorous vetting process to identify individuals who align with the Genesis Prize’s criteria. This shift toward greater public involvement underscores the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement.
The Genesis Prize aims to inspire future generations to strive for excellence while embracing their Jewish heritage, underscoring the importance of identity and community. It seeks to create role models who instill pride in the next generation of Jews.
The legacy of each laureate is a testament to the enduring impact of the Genesis Prize, highlighting the profound ways in which one can make a difference in the world.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is an “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. Reach out: [email protected]
