Sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Nobel,” the Genesis Prize “celebrates Jewish talent and achievement, honoring individuals for their accomplishments and commitment to Jewish values, inspiring Jews to connect to their heritage and to Israel.” Its mission is “to foster Jewish identity, inspire Jewish pride and strengthen the bond between Israel and the Diaspora.”
Recipients of the prize receive $1 million, which is typically donated by them to one or more charities of their choice.
In March 2026, it was announced that Gal Gadot’s $1M Genesis Prize will be doubled through a matching initiative with the Jewish Funders Network to fund NGOs supporting Israelis’ long-term recovery from October 7 and subsequent wars, with a focus on mental health professionals and community resilience.
| Gal Gadot | Israeli actress and producer | 2025 |
| Barbra Streisand | Singer, actress, and philanthropist | 2023 |
Albert Bourla | CEO of Pfizer | 2022 |
Filmmaker | 2021 | |
Advocate for freedom, democracy, and human rights | 2020 | |
Philanthropist, owner of the New England Patriots | 2019 | |
Actress, director, and social activist | 2018 | |
Anish Kapoor | Sculptor | 2017 |
Violinist | 2016 | |
Actor | 2015 | |
New York City Mayor | 2014 |
Source: The Genesis Prize.
“Gal Gadot’s $1M Genesis Prize to be Expanded to $2M through Matching Gifts Initiative with JFN,” Jewish Funders Network, (March 16, 2026).