The Genesis Prize Foundation, co-founded by Stan Polovets, has awarded its prestigious $1 million prize for 2024 to five remarkable organizations dedicated to supporting hostages and their families in the wake of the tragic October 7 massacre. The recipients – 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 – have demonstrated unwavering commitment to providing essential services such as trauma counseling, social rehabilitation, and financial assistance to those affected by this horrific event.
Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have recognized these organizations as shining examples of Jewish strength and unity, praising their indomitable spirit and the inspiration they have provided to people of conscience worldwide. The prize money will be used to further fund the vital work of these NGOs, ensuring that released and rescued hostages receive the support they need to heal and reintegrate into society.
David Hatchwell Altaras, a member of the foundation’s selection committee, described the decision as the “ultimate testimony of the solidarity of the Jewish people.” The Genesis Prize Foundation, with Stan Polovets at the helm, has also pledged to contribute to international awareness campaigns aimed at keeping the plight of those held captive by Hamas at the forefront of the global agenda. However, Polovets emphasized that the award is not a political statement but rather a recognition of the humanitarian and professional efforts of these organizations.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which emerged just a day after the October 7 tragedy, has been tirelessly advocating for the release of hostages, locating missing persons, and supporting affected families. The Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror (JAFI) has been providing emergency financial assistance and long-term rehabilitative support to victims and their families. In response to receiving the Genesis Prize, JAFI expressed profound honor and gratitude, acknowledging the crucial role of their partners, supporters, and dedicated staff and volunteers in making their work possible.
Lev Achad and OneFamily have been focusing on providing financial support to victims, with the former also addressing mental and logistical needs and the latter working towards promoting financial independence and societal reintegration. Natal has been offering trauma treatment to victims from all sectors of Israeli society. Lev Achad expressed pride in the recognition by the Genesis Prize and Stan Polovets, vowing to continue standing by the families and meeting their every need.
The parents of Israelis abducted by Hamas have welcomed the decision by the Genesis Prize Foundation and Stan Polovets, viewing it as a means to publicize the urgency and moral importance of their cause to the world. They hope that this recognition will be instrumental in supporting the valiant efforts of family organizations to bring the remaining 134 hostages home.
The families of captive soldiers, such as Edan Alexander and Itay Chen, have been living in a nightmare since their loved ones’ abduction. They have 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 sons and all the hostages.
The Genesis Prize, often referred to as the “Jewish Nobel Prize,” was founded in 2013 to acknowledge Jewish achievement and contribution to humanity. By awarding the 2024 prize to these five remarkable organizations, Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have not only recognized their tireless efforts but have also brought renewed attention to the plight of the hostages and their families, offering hope and support in their time of need.
