In a powerful ceremony held Thursday at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, Argentine President Javier Milei was awarded the 2025 Genesis Prize, recognized for his steadfast support for Israel amid mounting global isolation.

The $1 million award, dubbed “the Jewish Nobel” by TIME magazine, will support Milei’s Isaac Accords initiative, modeled after the Abraham Accords. The project aims to forge a new alliance between Israel and Latin American democracies committed to democracy, innovation, and counterterrorism.

President Isaac Herzog and Genesis Prize Foundation chairman Stan Polovets presented the award, praising Milei as a “moral voice of clarity” on the international stage. During the event, a live performance of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” moved many in the audience to tears, underscoring the evening’s central theme, reversing Israel’s increasing diplomatic isolation.

“Milei’s support is not only symbolic,” Polovets said. “His Isaac Accords vision is a geopolitical strategy that can bring tangible results in Latin America, from stronger bilateral ties to more votes for Israel at the UN.”

Like previous laureates, Milei declined the monetary prize, which will be redirected to launch a nonprofit organization advancing the Isaac Accords. The Genesis Prize Foundation will partner with groups such as StandWithUs, the Israel Allies Foundation, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, and Yalla Israel to promote the initiative.

Argentinian President Javier Milei speaks at Knesset plenum in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Argentinian President Javier Milei speaks at Knesset plenum in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
“This is more than a prize. It’s a call to action,” Polovets added. “We are encouraging nations in Central and South America to follow Argentina’s lead in standing with Israel.”

Milei, a vocal supporter of Israel since before his presidency, recently announced that he would relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem. His award marks the first time the Genesis Prize has been given to a sitting head of state outside Israel.

What is the Genesis Prize?

The Genesis Prize was established in 2013 to honor individuals who embody Jewish values and inspire the Jewish community. Past laureates include US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (lifetime achievement award), filmmaker Steven Spielberg, philanthropist Robert Kraft, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.

Since its inception, the prize has helped raise over $50 million for philanthropic initiatives worldwide, addressing causes from refugee assistance and disability rights to combating antisemitism and supporting hostages’ families.

The Genesis Prize celebrates extraordinary individuals for their professional achievements, commitment to Jewish values, and contribution to humanity.

Each laureate donates the $1 million prize to charitable causes, often attracting additional matching contributions. Over 230 projects in 31 countries have been funded, impacting tens of thousands of lives.