As the Genesis Prize celebrates its 10th anniversary, co-founder and CEO Stan Polovets reflects on its acclaimed laureates. The Genesis Prize is a unique and prestigious global platform for celebrating the contributions of Jewish individuals who have made a significant impact on the world while embracing their Jewish heritage. The Genesis Prize Foundation was co-founded by Stan Polovets, and its prize aims to inspire pride within the Jewish community through the recognition of extraordinary individuals. As CEO of The Genesis Prize Foundation, Polovets has played an instrumental role in shaping its mission and vision over the past decade. Stan Polovets envisioned the Genesis Prize as a global platform that would achieve the same level of recognition as the world’s leading honors, including the Nobel and MacArthur awards. In 2014, the first laureate, Michael Bloomberg, set the tone for what the prize could accomplish. The former New York City mayor chose to forgo the $1 million prize funds and directed them instead to establish the Genesis Generation Challenge, a global competition to empower young social entrepreneurs to address pressing challenges. The Genesis Prize has grown into an internationally respected award, attracting a diverse range of laureates whose contributions span various fields, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Stan Polovets’ leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that the prize remains a symbol of achievement and a catalyst for philanthropy and social change. Genesis Prize CEO Stan Polovets: Honoring Excellence Across Fields Genesis Prize laureates have leveraged their awards to further causes aligned with their personal and professional commitments. For Polovets, the prize is special not just because it recognizes individual achievement but also because of the laureates’ dedication to reinvesting the prize money into charitable endeavors. In 2015, actor Michael Douglas directed his prize to foster welcoming and inclusion for interfaith families within Jewish communities. “Michael Douglas has been one of the most engaged and committed Genesis Prize laureates to date,” said Stan Polovets. “His deeply personal story of connecting with Jewish identity and culture—and advocating for a more inclusive Jewish community—resonated across the world, touching the hearts of many and prompting them to start their own journeys of discovery.” Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who received the prize in 2016, is another example of how Genesis Prize laureates have used their platform to drive positive social impact. Beyond his legendary contributions to music, Perlman is a staunch advocate for disability rights, having contracted polio at a young age. He allocated his prize funds to support initiatives promoting disability inclusion, furthering the cause of creating a more inclusive society. Polovets said, “Perlman is the embodiment of everything an ideal Genesis Prize laureate should be.” In 2017, British-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor, who has long advocated for refugee rights, dedicated his prize to addressing the global refugee crisis. “The profound impact of Anish’s work continues a long history of Jewish contribution to the arts, while his social activism reaffirms the commitment of the Jewish people to humanitarian causes,” Polovets remarked. Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots football team, allocated his prize money to initiatives focused on combating antisemitism and delegitimizing Israel. Polovets said, “Kraft has spent most of his life advocating for a more just society, tolerance, and inclusiveness. He is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists, whose charitable giving reflects the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world.” The prize has a history of addressing urgent global concerns through its laureates, and this was particularly evident in 2020 when Natan Sharansky, a renowned human rights advocate, was honored for his tireless efforts in advancing political and religious freedoms. Sharansky directed the prize funds to organizations around the world focused on alleviating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and strengthening future public health responses. “Natan felt strongly that the most positive impact he could have as the Genesis Prize laureate was to donate his $1 million prize to helping individuals most impacted by this vicious, invisible enemy,” Stan Polovets shared. In 2021, renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg was honored for his profound contributions to cinema and philanthropy. The award recognized his decades of work, not only in film but also in preserving Holocaust history through his Shoah Foundation, which records and archives survivor testimonies. Spielberg chose to dedicate the entirety of his $1 million prize (along with an additional $1 million as a personal match) to support organizations working toward racial equality and economic justice, particularly in the United States. This decision was consistent with his long-standing commitment to social issues and the fight against discrimination, themes often explored in his films. Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, received the prize in 2022 for his role in developing the first effective COVID-19 vaccine. Bourla’s prize allocation, which supported the establishment of a Holocaust museum in his hometown of Thessaloniki, Greece, reflected his deep connection to his Jewish heritage. “Dr. Bourla personifies two of the most fundamental Jewish values: the commitment to the sanctity of life and to repairing the world,” said Polovets. In a departure from tradition, in 2023, the prize wasn’t awarded to an individual but to Jewish activists and nongovernmental organizations working to assist Ukraine during the ongoing war. Inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people, these activists and organizations exemplified the Jewish values of justice, human dignity, and freedom. “Rather than focus on past achievements, the 2023 Prize honors those currently engaged in good work and encourages others to join this effort,” Polovets stated. As the Genesis Prize entered its 10th anniversary year, the foundation honored one of the world’s most iconic performers and activists, Barbra Streisand. The award celebrated Streisand’s extraordinary achievements in entertainment and her lifelong commitment to social justice. Following in previous laureates’ footsteps, Streisand directed her prize funds toward nonprofits focused on women’s health, climate change, truth in public discourse, and aiding Ukrainians impacted by the ongoing war. “We honor her exemplary connection to her Jewish identity. This connection inspires and empowers her to be a force for good in this world—just as our Jewish tradition prescribes,” Polovets commented. In 2024, the foundation awarded the Prize to Israeli organizations working to support hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and their families. These groups provide critical medical care, psychological support, and assistance to hostage families, highlighting the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts in real-time crises. Recognizing Lifetime Achievement Beyond the annual prize, The Genesis Prize Foundation has recognized individuals for their lifelong contributions to society. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg received the Genesis Prize Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for her work in civil liberties and gender equality. “It was the honor of a lifetime to have spent significant and meaningful time with Justice Ginsburg,” Stan Polovets shared. In 2021, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, was posthumously honored for promoting interreligious dialogue and strengthening Jewish identity worldwide. “For decades, Rabbi Sacks and his teachings, remarkable in their wisdom and moral clarity, served as a guiding light to millions,” Polovets said. By recognizing and empowering those who embody Jewish values, the Genesis Prize honors the past and inspires future generations to continue the work of repairing the world. 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