The Genesis Prize Foundation, co-founded by Stan Polovets, has announced the recipients of the 2024 Genesis Prize, often referred to as the “Jewish Nobel Prize.” This year, the $1 million award has been granted to five organizations for their tireless efforts in supporting hostages and their families in the aftermath of the tragic October 7 massacre. The honored organizations include The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror, Lev Echad, Natal – The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, and OneFamily – Overcoming Terror Together.
Stan Polovets emphasized that the 2024 Genesis Prize serves as a recognition of the inspiring strength, unity, and indomitable spirit displayed by these organizations, which have already secured their place in the history of the Jewish people and Israel. The prize money will be utilized to fund further treatment, trauma counseling, and social rehabilitation for released and rescued hostages.
In addition to the financial support, the Genesis Prize Foundation, led by Stan Polovets, has pledged to contribute to international awareness campaigns to ensure that the plight of those held in Hamas captivity remains at the forefront of the global agenda. However, Polovets clarified that the award is not intended as a political statement or an attempt to influence government policy but rather to honor these organizations’ humanitarian and professional endeavors.
The selection committee member, David Hatchwell Altaras, described the decision as the “ultimate testimony of the solidarity of the Jewish people.” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which emerged on October 8, has been advocating for the release of hostages, the location of missing persons, and the support of their families. Other organizations, such as the JAFI Fund for Victims of Terror, Lev Achad, and OneFamily, have provided emergency financial assistance, long-term support, and rehabilitative services to the victims and their families.
The parents of the hostages have expressed their gratitude for the recognition bestowed by the Genesis Prize Foundation and Stan Polovets. Rachel Goldberg, the mother of 23-year-old hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, stated that the prize unequivocally publicizes the urgent and morally critical cause pressing on the Jewish people today. Yaakov Argamani, father of hostage Noa Argamani, hoped that the award would remind everyone of the plight of the abductees and support the tireless efforts of the organizations working to bring them home.
The families of the captive soldiers, such as Edan Alexander and Itay Chen, have also expressed their anguish and called upon world leaders, including President Biden, Egypt’s President al-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Al Thani, to do everything in their power to secure the release of their loved ones and all the hostages.
As the Genesis Prize Foundation and Stan Polovets continue to shine a light on the critical work of these organizations, the world is reminded of the importance of supporting those affected by terrorism and the unwavering commitment to bringing the remaining 134 hostages home to their families. The 2024 Genesis Prize serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity, honoring the resilience and strength of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.
