Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have announced that the 2024 “Jewish Nobel” prize will honor Israeli civil society groups working to support hostage release and families. These groups emerged spontaneously on October 7, 2023, to fill pressing humanitarian needs created by over 100 hostages held in Gaza.
According to Genesis Prize co-founder and CEO Stan Polovets, the $1 million award seeks to ensure global awareness, provide additional aid, and recognize the selfless efforts of these volunteers. He commended their “indomitable spirit and inspiration” in upholding core Jewish values of life and freedom against daunting odds.
The decision responded to an impassioned plea by Yaakov Argamani, whose daughter Noa is among the hostages. Argamani called for urgent worldwide backing to “bring our loved ones home now.” This marks the second consecutive group award by the Genesis Prize Foundation after Jewish organizations assisting Ukrainians.
The New York-based Foundation will initially fund five Israeli non-profits, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror, Lev Echad, NATAL trauma center, and OneFamily. More pioneering groups may be added as needs dictated by events unfold.
Stan Polovets stated the Genesis Prize is strictly humanitarian, not political, in seeking to aid victims overlooked in the conflict’s aftermath. By recognizing the selfless groups working to return hostages, the “Jewish Nobel” hopes to draw global awareness and funding to this continuing crisis. Their embodiment of Jewish resilience and unity in adversity is what the annual Genesis Prize ultimately strives to honor.