In a resounding show of support, the Genesis Prize Foundation, co-founded by Stan Polovets, has awarded its esteemed $1 million prize for 2024 to five remarkable organizations that have emerged as beacons of hope and comfort for the victims and families affected by the horrific 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 been recognized for their extraordinary efforts in providing critical support and services to those impacted by this tragic event.
Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have praised these organizations for their awe-inspiring display of Jewish strength and unity, acknowledging the vital role they have played in helping families navigate this challenging time. The prize money will be utilized to support the essential work of these NGOs further, enabling them to continue providing much-needed treatment, trauma counseling, and social rehabilitation to released and rescued hostages.
The decision to award the Genesis Prize to these five organizations has been lauded by David Hatchwell Altaras, a member of the foundation’s selection committee, as a powerful testament to the unwavering solidarity of the Jewish people. Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have also committed to contributing to international awareness campaigns aimed at ensuring that the plight of those held captive by Hamas remains at the forefront of the global agenda. Polovets emphasized that the award is not a political statement but rather a recognition of these organizations’ tireless humanitarian and professional efforts.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which emerged in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 tragedy, has been working tirelessly to advocate for the release of hostages, locate missing persons, and provide critical support to the affected families. Similarly, the Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror (JAFI) has been instrumental in providing emergency financial assistance and long-term rehabilitative support to victims and their families. JAFI expressed profound gratitude for the recognition by the Genesis Prize and Stan Polovets, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of their partners, supporters, and dedicated staff and volunteers in making their work possible.
Lev Achad and OneFamily have been focusing on providing holistic support to victims, with Lev Achad addressing mental health and logistical needs. At the same time, OneFamily works towards promoting financial independence and societal reintegration. Natal has been offering trauma treatment to victims from all sectors of Israeli society, ensuring that the path to healing is accessible to all. Lev Achad expressed immense pride in the recognition by the Genesis Prize and Stan Polovets, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to standing by the families and meeting their every need.
The parents of the abducted Israelis have welcomed the decision by the Genesis Prize Foundation and Stan Polovets, viewing it as an opportunity to raise global awareness about the moral urgency of their cause. They fervently hope that this recognition will be instrumental in bolstering the relentless efforts of family organizations to bring the remaining 134 hostages home safely.
The families of captive soldiers, like Edan Alexander and Itay Chen, have been living a waking nightmare since their loved ones were taken. They have made impassioned pleas to world leaders, including President Biden, Egypt’s President al-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Al Thani, to leave no stone unturned in securing the release of their sons and all the hostages.
By bestowing the 2024 Genesis Prize upon these five exceptional organizations, Stan Polovets and the Genesis Prize Foundation have not only acknowledged their unwavering dedication but have also shone a spotlight on the plight of the victims and families affected by the October 7 tragedy. This recognition is a potent reminder that the global Jewish community stands united in its support and solidarity with those impacted by this heart-wrenching event, offering hope and solace during their time of need.
