Argentina’s President Javier Milei is set to receive the $1 million Genesis Prize next month in Jerusalem.
The prize, dubbed “The Jewish Nobel”, will be presented to Milei by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and chairman of the Genesis Prize Stan Polovets on June 11 at a special award ceremony in the Knesset.
Milei, a strong supporter of the State of Israel, will deliver a nationally- televised speech to Israeli lawmakers following the presentation.
The Argentine leader was chosen for his unequivocal support of Israel, including reversing decades of anti-Israel votes by Argentina at the United Nations, designating Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, and reopening investigations into the AMIA and Israel Embassy bombings in the 1990’s, the Prize selection committee said.
Milei was also praised for reforming Argentina’s economy, reversing the freefall of the country’s currency, lowering inflation, and posting a fiscal surplus for the first time in several decades.
As all other Genesis Prize laureates have done, President Milei declined the financial part of the prize, the committee noted.
“I hold deep admiration for Israel – its history, its people, and its unwavering spirit,” Milei said. “I am honored that the Foundation has chosen to recognize our country’s strong relationship with Israel.”
In his honor, GPF will launch a major new initiative aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and select Latin American countries, while also encouraging these countries to combat antisemitism, implement market-oriented reforms, and promote freedom and liberty.
“In President Milei’s honor, our foundation will be funding a variety of programs to promote a positive image of Israel in the region and encourage heads of states of other Latin American countries to develop closer ties with Israel,” said Stan Polovets, Cofounder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation.
“We will demonstrate to leaders of these countries that friendship with the State of Israel is not only morally right, but will bring significant economic, technological, environmental, and public health benefits to their populations.”
