Genesis Prize Foundation

Israelis in Tel Aviv react after watching the Beresheet spacecraft fail to land safely on the moon on April 11, 2019. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)

May 13, 2019, 12:55 am

Genesis Prize Foundation grants $1 million toward Beresheet 2 spacecraft

While admitting decision deviates from traditional once-a-year-philanthropy, organization says support for second attempt at moon landing represents fund’s goal of inspiring Jews

By Marcy Oster

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft arrives for the NFL football fall meetings in New York, October 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

February 23, 2019, 3:23 am

Robert Kraft prostitute scandal another PR headache for the ‘Jewish Nobel’ prize

Last year’s Genesis Prize laureate, Natalie Portman, refused to attend award ceremony because of objections to Netanyahu’s policies

By Josefin Dolsten

Robert Kraft, philanthropist and owner of the New England Patriots, winner of the 2019 Genesis Prize. (Genesis Prize Foundation)

January 9, 2019, 11:28 am

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wins Israel’s prestigious Genesis Prize

Philanthropist honored for his commitment to Israel, social justice, and equality; will donate $1 million award to combating anti-Semitism and efforts to delegitimize Israel

By Stuart Winer

The Genesis Prize Foundation gave grants to 37 organizations “dedicated to the advancement of women.” (Courtesy of the Genesis Prize Foundation)

September 5, 2018, 5:44 am

Genesis Prize funds groups looking to close Israel’s stubborn gender gap

Award ceremony goes ahead without prize winner Natalie Portman, who chose not to attend, citing differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

By Sam Sokol

Natalie Portman arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Annihilation' at the Regency Village Theatre on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

June 27, 2018, 6:34 pm

Genesis Prize launches grants challenge to promote gender equality

Funding for Women’s Empowerment Challenge to come from $1 million awarded to actress Natalie Portman, who refused to attend prize ceremony in Israel

By JTA

Philanthropist Morris Kahn, left, Genesis Prize Laureate Natalie Portman, center, and Stan Polovets, co-founder and Chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation. (Genesis Foundation)

May 28, 2018, 1:22 pm

Genesis, Morris Kahn set up $1m grant competition to boost women in Israel

Nonprofits working in the field are eligible to apply; program is in line with foundation’s 2018 theme: ‘Advancing women’s equality in all aspects of human endeavor’

By Shoshanna Solomon

Natalie Portman attends the 27th Annual EMA Awards at Barker Hangar on September 23, 2017, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Richard Shotwell/ Invision/AP)

May 14, 2018, 10:44 pm

Natalie Portman will receive ‘Jewish Nobel’ despite refusal to come to Israel

But Genesis Prize Foundation accuses actress of ‘giving ammunition’ to pro-BDS groups, says her decision offended numerous women’s organizations

By JTA

April 25, 2018, 11:09 am

Ilya Zaslavskiy

Justice Ginsburg, don’t accept a prize backed by Putin’s oligarchs

The Genesis billionaires are linked to shady dealings on a global scale, including possible meddling in US elections

Natalie Portman arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Annihilation" at the Regency Village Theatre, on February 13, 2018. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

April 23, 2018, 10:41 pm

TV: Portman initially refused to collect Genesis prize because of Gaza violence

Email from actress’s representatives reportedly expresses concern about ‘the news from Gaza… the government’s actions and the latest escalation’

By TOI staff

April 21, 2018, 9:22 pm

Likud attacks ‘hypocrite’ Natalie Portman after actress snubs Netanyahu

Israeli-born Hollywood star clarifies she is not boycotting Israel, but won’t come to accept prize known as ‘Jewish Nobel’ so as not to be seen as endorsing PM

By TOI staff

April 21, 2018, 4:06 am

Natalie Portman on prize snub: ‘I didn’t want to appear to endorse Netanyahu’

Actress says decision to skip Israel event has been ‘mischaracterized,’ stresses she doesn’t back BDS: ‘I can be critical of the leadership without wanting to boycott the nation’

By TOI staff

Actress Natalie Portman teaches Hebrew slang in a Vanity Fair video (YouTube screenshot)

April 21, 2018, 12:43 am

Snubbing Israel, Natalie Portman won’t get to distribute Genesis Prize money

Foundation will decide where funds go after actress announces she won’t travel to Israel due to ‘recent events’

By JTA

Natalie Portman, seen in Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood in a scene from 'A Tale of Love and Darkness,' February 11, 2014. (Photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90)

April 20, 2018, 10:27 pm

Israeli minister to Natalie Portman: You have been fooled by Hamas propaganda

Gilad Erdan appeals to Jerusalem-born actress to come and see the truth, after she says she does ‘not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel’

By TOI staff

Natalie Portman tinkers with a mutant crocodile in 'Annihilation.' (Paramount Pictures)

April 20, 2018, 11:54 am

Culture minister says Natalie Portman has ‘fallen into BDS hands’

MK Azaria warns that actress’s cancellation of visit to Israel to receive award is a sign of Israel losing US Jewish community; Likud MK Hazan: Cancel her citizenship

By TOI staff

December 19, 2017, 5:51 pm

Philanthropist doubles Natalie Portman’s $1 million ‘Jewish Nobel’

Morris Kahn’s donation to Israel-born actress will be used as grants for projects advancing women’s rights

By Stuart Winer