NATAL and Four Israeli Organizations Honored with the Genesis Prize
The Genesis Prize Foundation named five Israeli organizations as recipients of its financial support including NATAL, the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center. The Genesis Prize Foundation has been dubbed “the Jewish Nobel Prize” by Time magazine. In addition to NATAL, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, JAFI Fund for Victims of Terror, Lev Echad, and OneFamily - Overcoming Terror Together were also named recipients.
PHOTO: Genesis Prize Co-founder Stan Polovets (right) with Doron Zexer, who holds a picture of Edan Alexander, one of several lone soldiers he hosts in his home in Israel.
Prize to Aid Released Hostages and Their Families, Focusing on Treatment and Global Awareness
This year the $1 million prize money will go to Israeli organizations providing treatment, counseling and support to the released and rescued hostages and their families. The Foundation will also support an international public awareness campaign to keep the hostages' at the forefront of the global leaders' agenda.
The Foundation clarified that the $1 million from the Genesis Prize will be dedicated solely to supporting hostages and their families, covering expenses for treatment, trauma counseling, and social rehabilitation for those who have been released or rescued. The financial aid provided to the initial five grant recipients from the Genesis Prize is designated specifically for humanitarian assistance and will not be allocated for political activism, lobbying, or other unrelated activities within Israel.
PHOTO: The 2024 Genesis Prize has been awarded to Israeli organizations and activists working to release the hostages and support their families
Supporting Hostages, Honoring Volunteers, and Upholding Jewish Unity
Stan Polovets, co-founder of The Genesis Prize Foundation said, “This award is not a political statement, and it is not our intent to influence government policy. The Genesis Prize is a humanitarian award, and this year, it seeks to achieve three things – ensure the world does not forget the plight of the captives; provide additional aid to organizations focused on assisting the hostages and their families; and, last but not least, honor the selfless work of organizations that spontaneously emerged after October 7. These volunteers are an inspiring example of Jewish strength and unity who have already earned a place in the history of the Jewish people and Israel. The 2024 Genesis Prize is a recognition of their indomitable spirit and the inspiration they have provided to all people of conscience around the world.”
Genesis Prize Recognizes Exceptional Contributions Since 2013
The Genesis Prize, awarded annually with a $1 million endowment, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their fields, bettered humanity, and upheld Jewish values. Esteemed laureates include Natan Sharansky, Michael Bloomberg, Michael Douglas, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Robert Kraft, Steven Spielberg, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Albert Bourla, Barbra Streisand, among other distinguished figures in the Jewish community.
Since its establishment in 2013, The Genesis Prize has transformed the annual $1 million award into philanthropic efforts exceeding $50 million. This funding has supported over 220 nonprofit initiatives across 31 countries, making a significant difference in the lives of tens of thousands of individuals.