NEW YORK -- The Genesis Prize Foundation announced today that actor, producer and peace activist Michael Douglas is the recipient of the 2015 Genesis Prize, which will be awarded by the prominent human rights activist Natan Sharansky together with the Prime Minister of Israel in Jerusalem on June 18.
The annual $1 million prize celebrates the richness and diversity of the Jewish culture and aims to strengthen the Jewish community across the globe. Members of the two juries that selected Michael Douglas include Sharansky, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, and Chief Rabbi of the UK (Emeritus) Lord Jonathan Sacks.
Winner of two Academy Awards (“Oscars”), four Golden Globes and an Emmy, Michael Douglas has created an unforgettable body of work that challenges and educates as well as entertains. Outside of Hollywood, he is also known for his passionate advocacy as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, focusing on human rights, gun violence prevention, and nuclear anti-proliferation work.
“The Genesis Prize Foundation is proud to honor Michael Douglas, both for his professional achievements and for his passion for his Jewish heritage and the Jewish State,” said Stan Polovets, Co-founder and Chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation. “The Douglas family’s experience of connecting with its heritage and embracing it on their own terms embodies an inclusive approach for Jews of diverse backgrounds. This is particularly important today, when the question of what it means to be Jewish has become more pressing than ever.”
The Genesis Prize is awarded by the Genesis Prize Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel. It recognizes individuals who have attained excellence and international renown in their fields and whose actions and achievements express a commitment to Jewish values, the Jewish community and the State of Israel. Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, presented the inaugural Genesis Prize to Former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg in 2014.
Michael Douglas said of receiving the honor, “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.” Genesis Prize laureates are encouraged to use their $1 million award to support a worthy initiative of their choice that relates to the goal of the prize’s founding partners – inspiring the next generation of Jews to connect to the values and legacy of their people and to be proud of their Jewish identity. Mayor Bloomberg directed his $1 million award to the Genesis Generation Challenge, a global competition that will provide up to ten teams of young adults with seed money for projects, which find innovative solutions to pressing global and community problems.
Douglas plans to direct his prize money toward promoting activities designed to raise awareness of inclusiveness and diversity in Judaism.
“The lifetime work and journey of Michael Douglas proves how Jewish roots and heritage can be important drivers for personal and professional success,” said Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, who heads the Genesis Prize Selection Committee. “There is always a way to support and strengthen the Jewish People and the Jewish State by identifying, expressing and working for Jewish solidarity. Michael Douglas did this in his own inimitable and very impressive way. I salute him upon receipt of this great honor.”
To learn more about The Genesis Prize, please visit www.facebook.com/TheGenesisPrize or genesisprize.org.