2015 Genesis Prize

The 2015 Genesis Prize was awarded to actor and producer Michael Douglas. It was the second awarding of the Genesis Prize[1][2] after it was first awarded to Michael Bloomberg in 2014.[3]

Background

Douglas was chosen "both for his professional achievements and for his passion for his Jewish heritage and the Jewish state."[4]

On hearing the news Douglas said,“I share this award with my family, who encouraged me in my exploration of the Jewish faith. I hope these teachings and values will be part of the legacy in the world that I leave for my children and those who follow.”[5]

Ceremony

The prize giving ceremony took place at the Jerusalem Theater in June 2015.[3][6] The ceremony was hosted by Jay Leno and Bar Refaeli.[7] The prize was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Natan Sharansky.[2][8]

Aftermath

The $1 million prize money was doubled[9] after Roman Abramovich matched it.[10] With a non-Jewish mother, Douglas was inspired to donate the money to organizations[11] supporting intermarried families seeking a connection to the Jewish community. One grant was given to Hillel for programs it conducts to engage children from intermarried families and then a competition administered by The Genesis Prize Foundation and Jewish Funders Network resulted in funding toto 28 organizations from 7 countries.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Michael Douglas awarded $1 million Jewish Nobel". Philanthropy. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  2. ^ a b "Michael Douglas awarded Israel's $1 million Genesis Prize". Israel Hayom (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  3. ^ a b "Michael Douglas wins 2015 Genesis Prize". Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  4. ^ "Michael Douglas wins $1 million Genesis Prize". Forward. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  5. ^ "Michael Douglas awarded $1 million Genesis Prize". South Africa Jewish Report. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  6. ^ "Genesis fetes Michael Douglas at Jerusalem gala". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  7. ^ "Michael Douglas Receives $2 Million Genesis Prize in Israel". Variety. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  8. ^ "Actor Michael Douglas receives honorary award in Jerusalem". Washington Post. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  9. ^ "Michael Douglas given the Jewish Nobel". Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  10. ^ a b "Genesis Prize to fund outreach efforts to intermarried Jews". Times of Israel. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
  11. ^ "Actor Michael Douglas awarded $1 million genese prize in israel". Jewish Press Gulf Coast. Retrieved 2025-02-04.
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