2015 Genesis Prize
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The 2015 Genesis Prize was awarded to actor and producer Michael Douglas. It was the second awarding of the Genesis Prize[1][2] after it was first awarded to Michael Bloomberg in 2014.[3]
Background
Douglas was chosen "both for his professional achievements and for his passion for his Jewish heritage and the Jewish state."[4]
On hearing the news Douglas said,“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.”[5]
Ceremony
The prize giving ceremony took place at the Jerusalem Theater in June 2015.[3][6] The ceremony was hosted by Jay Leno and Bar Refaeli.[7] The prize was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Natan Sharansky.[2][8]
Aftermath
The $1 million prize money was doubled[9] after Roman Abramovich matched it.[10] With a non-Jewish mother, Douglas was inspired to donate the money to organizations[11] supporting intermarried families seeking a connection to the Jewish community. One grant was given to Hillel for programs it conducts to engage children from intermarried families and then a competition administered by The Genesis Prize Foundation and Jewish Funders Network resulted in funding toto 28 organizations from 7 countries.[10]