Genesis prize awarded to NGOs supporting hostages and their families 

The 2024 Genesis Prize has been awarded to five organizations for their work supporting hostages and their families following the October 7 massacre, the Genesis Prize Foundation announced on Wednesday.

The $1 million annual prize was given to 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. The prize money is set to be used to fund further treatment, trauma counseling, and social rehabilitation for released and rescued hostages.

“These volunteers are an inspiring example of Jewish strength and unity who have already earned a place in the history of the Jewish people and Israel,” said Genesis Prize Foundation Co-founded Stan Polovets. “The 2024 Genesis Prize is a recognition of their indomitable spirit and the inspiration they have provided to all people of conscience around the world.”

The foundation says it will work to keep global attention on hostages

David Hatchwell Altaras, member of the foundation selection committee, said that the decision was the “ultimate testimony of the solidarity of the Jewish people.”

The foundation also said that it would contribute to international awareness campaigns to ensure the plight of those held in Hamas captivity remains at the top of the global agenda. However, Polovets added that the award is not a political statement or an attempt to influence government policy but to award humanitarian and professional endeavors.

“The Genesis Prize is a humanitarian award, and this year, it seeks to achieve three things – ensure the world does not forget the plight of the captives; provide additional aid to organizations focused on assisting the hostages and their families; and, last but not least, honor the selfless work of organizations that spontaneously emerged after October 7,” said Polovets.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum was one such organization to emerge on October 8, advocating for the release of hostages, locating missing persons, and supporting the families. The JAFI Fund for Victims of Terror was awarded for its emergency financial assistance to October 7 victims and their families, as well as long-term and rehabilitative support.

Hostages' parents' response

“We are profoundly honored to receive the Genesis Prize for the second year in a row, for our work supporting October 7 victims and their families through the Fund for Victims of Terror,” JAFI wrote on social media. “While we are honored to be recognized, we know that none of this crucial work would be possible without our partners, supporters and thousands of dedicated staff and volunteers around the world.”

Lev Achad and OneFamily also provide financial support to victims, the former also working to meet mental and logistical needs, and the latter focusing on financial independence and societal reintegration. Natal offers trauma treatment for victims from all sectors of Israeli society.

Lev Achad said it was “proud of the recognition by the Genesis Prize for the important activity of the aid center and the 10,000 volunteers who took part in it. We will continue to stand by the families and meet their every need.”

The parents of Israelis abducted by Hamas welcomed the decision by the Foundation.

“It unequivocally publicizes to the entire world that there is no more ethically urgent and morally critical cause pressing on the Jewish people today,” said Rachel Goldberg, mother of 23-year-old hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. “We fervently pray this gift will be instrumental in continuing the family organizations’ valiant and tireless efforts to bring the remaining 134 beloved hostages home.”

Hostage Noa Argamani’s father Yaakov said that the prize will “remind everyone of the plight of the abductees, our plight, and support the work of the organizations that work tirelessly to bring them home. We call on all decent people in the world to join our efforts and help bring our loved ones home now.”

Captive Golani soldier Edan Alexander’s father Adi also hoped that the prize would focus more attention on their fight to return their loved ones.

“We love our son Edan and can’t wait to hug him again. We miss his laugh, his smile,” said Adi Alexander.

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old Itay,  also related that his family had been in a  “living nightmare” since the soldier’s abduction. 

“I don’t know if he has food or water, where he slept, or even if he’s alive,” said Chen. “I call upon President Biden, Egypt’s President al-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Al Thani to do everything they can to secure the release of Itay and all of the hostages.”

The Genesis Prize, known by some as the “Jewish Nobel Prize,” was founded in 2013 to acknowledge Jewish achievement and contribution to humanity.