"The vision of the Genesis Prize is a strong and vibrant Jewish people, aware of their roots while looking forward, a Jewish community flourishing in diversity yet united in appreciation of Jewish values and support for Israel," Polovets explained at a recent foundation event. This vision requires an approach that transcends national boundaries.
Building Bridges Through Historical Memory in Greece
One of the most significant recent stops on Stan Polovets' global itinerary was Thessaloniki, Greece, where he participated in a momentous occasion that bridged past and future. In late 2024, Polovets attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Holocaust Museum of Greece. He was joined by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou for this historic event.The ceremony took place at Thessaloniki's old railway station—a site of profound historical significance where nearly 49,000 Greek Jews began their fatal journey to Nazi concentration camps in 1943. The Genesis Prize Foundation contributed $1 million to this museum project in honor of 2022 Genesis Prize Laureate Dr. Albert Bourla, the Pfizer CEO who was born in Thessaloniki to Holocaust survivors.
"The Holocaust Museum of Greece will pay tribute to the memory of not just Thessaloniki's Jewish community, but all 38 Greek Jewish communities that existed before the war," said Stan Polovets during the ceremony. "With rising global antisemitism, education is central to the museum's mission. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions and archives, the museum will underscore the importance of Holocaust remembrance, diversity, human rights, and freedom."
This international collaboration demonstrates how cross-border partnerships can strengthen historical memory and education. The museum project has garnered extensive international support, with the Greek and German governments contributing alongside the Genesis Prize Foundation.
"Democracy and respect for others are values that can never be taken for granted," Polovets observed during his visit to Thessaloniki, "and each of us has a responsibility to stand up against all forms of hatred."
Witnessing Resilience in Israel
Another crucial dimension of Stan Polovets' global outreach has been his engagement with communities in Israel facing unprecedented challenges. During a 10-day visit to Israel, Polovets witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the October 2023 attacks and the ongoing crisis of hostages held in Gaza.His journey included a poignant visit to the Nova Music Festival site in southern Israel, where over 350 young people lost their lives during the October 7 attacks. "Being at the site of the Nova Festival, knowing that over 1,200 people were slaughtered by terrorists that day, was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life," Polovets shared after his visit.
At nearby Kibbutz Nir Oz, which was also devastated in the attacks, Polovets discovered a powerful symbol amid the destruction. "This menorah—a symbol of Judaism for thousands of years—lay in the burned ashes of the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust. Yet, for millennia, after countless other attempts at destroying us, this symbol—and the Jews—have survived," he reflected.
In Tel Aviv, Polovets joined 5,000 Israelis at Hostage Square for a rally marking 400 days of captivity for 101 hostages held in Gaza. There, he met with Luis Har, an Argentinian-Israeli grandfather who had been rescued after 129 days in captivity. "He told me that he feels lucky to be alive and will not stop speaking out on behalf of those who remain in captivity," Polovets recounted.
Supporting Ukrainian Humanitarian Efforts
Stan Polovets' global philanthropic vision extends to addressing other international crises as well. In February 2025, he hosted a significant event marking three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The gathering, held at Tel Aviv's Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, brought together representatives from 21 humanitarian organizations that have been providing vital assistance to Ukrainians throughout the conflict."For over 1,000 days, Ukraine has been in an existential fight against an enemy threatening its sovereignty," Stan Polovets stated during the event. "From the outset of the war, Jewish activists and non-governmental organizations, many from Israel, immediately sprang into action, providing assistance to those in dire need."
The event highlighted the 2023 Genesis Prize honorees—Jewish activists and NGOs who have worked tirelessly to alleviate suffering in Ukraine. This gathering brought together more than 40 representatives, including 30 in-person and 10 joining virtually from around the world. Participants shared their experiences and challenges supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and made connections that will allow for future collaboration.
Translating Global Experience Into Philanthropic Strategy
These international engagements reflect the broader mission of The Genesis Prize Foundation under Stan Polovets' leadership. The foundation's approach to philanthropy has been characterized by its ability to adapt to global challenges while maintaining its core mission of celebrating Jewish achievement and supporting critical humanitarian causes."None of us can do this work alone," Polovets emphasizes. "Every year, we have partnered with individuals, organizations, and donors to achieve our goals. It truly is a 'two heads are better than one' approach."
This collaborative philosophy has been crucial to the foundation's success, as partnerships multiply the impact of each initiative. Since its inception in 2013, the Genesis Prize has generated over $50 million in grants to more than 230 organizations across 31 countries.
The foundation's 2024 focus on supporting Israeli organizations working to release hostages and aid their families further exemplifies its commitment to addressing pressing needs. "The Genesis Prize is a humanitarian award," Polovets explained when announcing the 2024 honorees. "This year, we seek to achieve three things: ensure the world does not forget the plight of the captives; provide additional aid to NGOs focused on assisting the hostages and their families; and honor the selfless work of organizations that spontaneously emerged after October 7."
The Global Genesis Prize Network
The Genesis Prize's global network extends beyond Polovets' travels. The prize has honored laureates from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Israel, creating an international community united by shared values and commitments.Most recently, the foundation made history by selecting Argentine President Javier Milei as its 2025 laureate, marking the first time a head of state has received the award. This selection recognizes Milei's steadfast support for Israel during his efforts to pursue justice for Jewish victims of terror. On June 12, the Genesis Prize was awarded to President Milei by Stan Polovets and Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a moving ceremony at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem.
"President Milei is a true hero of the Jewish people," Stan Polovets stated. "Unlike leaders of many other countries around the world who either remained quiet, pressured, and—in some cases—sanctioned Israel, President Milei has unequivocally supported the Jewish people and their state."
Building a Global Legacy
Through his international engagement, Stan Polovets has demonstrated that effective philanthropy requires both a global perspective and a local understanding. By connecting communities across continents, he has strengthened the Genesis Prize's ability to address complex challenges facing communities worldwide.As the Genesis Prize Foundation continues to evolve, its international approach under Polovets' guidance ensures that it remains responsive to emerging global needs while staying true to its core mission of celebrating Jewish achievement and supporting humanitarian causes.
The foundation's work across Greece, Israel, Ukraine, and beyond illustrates how philanthropic impact can transcend borders when guided by a clear vision and strategic partnerships. Through this global engagement, Stan Polovets and The Genesis Prize Foundation continue to build bridges between communities, honor history, and address pressing humanitarian challenges, creating a legacy that spans continents and generations.
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