“This year, it is important that we combat hostility toward the Jewish State by showcasing what Israel has to offer the world,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog.
By United with Israel Staff
With rising anti-Semitism worldwide and attempts to delegitimize Israel, The Genesis Prize Foundation and 2019 Genesis Prize laureate Robert Kraft have joined forces to combat the problem by launching “Speak Out for Israel.” The campaign involves awarding $1 million in grants to Israeli nonprofit organizations that create innovative responses to anti-Semitism.
“The 2019 Genesis Prize theme focuses on combating global anti-Semitism and increasingly aggressive efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the State of Israel,” said Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation. “These grants are designed to help Israel’s nonprofit sector in promoting a truthful, inspiring narrative of Israel to audiences around the world, countering Israel’s detractors with factual, positive messages of what the Jewish State truly represents.”
“Speak out for Israel” grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to non-profit organizations that propose programs designed to tell the story of Israel by emphasizing such democratic values as tolerance and respect for the rights of minorities, as well as scientific, technological and cultural achievements, according to the Genesis Prize Foundation website. The programs will aim to build cross-community bridges, dismantle stereotypes and educate both Jews and non-Jews alike about Israel.
“Over the past six years, The Genesis Prize Foundation has become a key channel for shining a light on important social problems and fostering positive change in Israel and abroad. This year, it is important that we combat hostility toward the Jewish State by showcasing what Israel has to offer the world,” said Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog, who is also chairman of the Genesis Prize Selection Committee.
The Genesis Prize is a global award, which celebrates Jewish achievement and contributions to humanity. Launched in 2013, the Prize is financed through a permanent endowment of $100 million established by The Genesis Prize Foundation.
Nonprofits interested in applying for the competition, administered by Matan-United Way Israel, are welcome to register by December 12, 2019. Winners will be announced in April 2020.