Stan Polovets and Genesis Prize Honor Israeli Groups Supporting Hostage Release and Families
The Genesis Prize Foundation has announced that its 2024 “Jewish Nobel” prize will go to Israeli organizations advocating for the release of hostages in Gaza and providing support services to released hostages and their families, according to Genesis Prize co-founder and CEO Stan Polovets.
This marks the humanitarian award’s second group prize. Last year, it recognized Jewish groups aiding Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict there. The new award seeks to ensure the world doesn’t forget about the Palestinian captives, offer additional assistance to related groups, and honor the “indomitable spirit” of volunteers who have emerged to support hostages and families.
The selection committee has initially chosen five Israeli NGOs for funding. These include the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which assists families; the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror, which provides emergency aid to terror victims; Lev Echad, which aids abductees’ families; NATAL – the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, which offers treatment and support to those affected by terror and war; and OneFamily, which helps terror victims secure government benefits and rehabilitation services. More groups may be added later as needs arise.
The 2024 prize also honors hostage family members and advocates for their “remarkable” efforts. Polovets says these volunteers “exemplify the Jewish spirit of strength and unity” and Jewish values of life and freedom.
Yaakov Argamani, father of 26-year-old captive Noa Argamani, expressed gratitude for the prize’s potential to focus global attention on the over 100 Gazan hostages like his daughter. “We call on all decent people in the world to join our efforts and help bring our loved ones home now,” he said.
The Genesis Prize Foundation, located in New York, is an international group that recognizes and assists honorees who have notably contributed to humanity. The annual Genesis Prize goes to role models embodying Jewish values, seeking to foster unity and progress in the global Jewish community.
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