The awarding of the 2025 Genesis Prize to Argentine President Javier Milei represents a diplomatic breakthrough that could reshape Israel’s relationships across Latin America, according to Stan Polovets, the foundation’s co-founder and chairman who spearheaded this historic recognition. The ceremony at Jerusalem’s Museum of Tolerance on June 12, 2025, marked the first time the prestigious award has been bestowed upon a sitting head of state, signaling the gravity of Milei’s transformation of Argentina’s foreign policy.
The $1 million Genesis Prize, often called the “Jewish Nobel,” recognizes Milei’s unequivocal support for Israel during a period when many nations have distanced themselves from the Jewish state. Stan Polovets, who has guided the foundation since its 2013 establishment, emphasized how Milei’s leadership stands in stark contrast to other regional responses to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The selection process reflected unanimous agreement among the nine-member judging committee, which commended Milei for reversing Argentina’s historical anti-Israel voting patterns at the United Nations. Stan Polovets praised Milei’s decision to designate Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, noting how these actions demonstrate concrete support beyond diplomatic rhetoric.
Central to the ceremony was Milei’s vision for an “Isaac Accords,” which the $1 million Genesis Prize will support. This ambitious project aims to replicate the Abraham Accords’ success in Latin America, creating a network of democratic nations aligned with Israel on security, innovation, and shared values. Stan Polovets characterized the initiative as “a geopolitical strategy that can bring tangible results in Latin America.”
The emotional weight of the ceremony was palpable as attendees witnessed multiple meaningful moments. The performance of “You’ve Got a Friend” moved many to tears, symbolizing the friendship between Argentina and Israel at a time when such alliances carry significant political costs. The musical tribute underscored the personal nature of diplomatic relationships and the courage required to maintain them during difficult periods.
Milei’s personal connection to Jewish identity has added authenticity to his political positions. Having discovered his Jewish heritage through his grandfather and engaging in regular Torah study with Rabbi Shimon Axel Wahnish, now Argentina’s ambassador to Israel, the president represents a unique convergence of personal conviction and political leadership. This background provides credibility to his advocacy that extends beyond purely strategic considerations.
The ceremony gained additional significance through its focus on the ongoing hostage crisis. Before the awards presentation, Milei and Israeli President Isaac Herzog participated in marking the birthday of Ariel Cunio, an Argentine citizen held captive by Hamas terrorists for over 600 days. This gesture demonstrated how personal connections transcend diplomatic protocols, adding a human dimension to international relations.
Stan Polovets outlined the broader strategy underlying the Isaac Accords initiative, explaining how it could counter Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation in international forums. The foundation plans to partner with multiple organizations, including StandWithUs, the Israel Allies Foundation, and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, to maximize the initiative’s reach and effectiveness.
The Genesis Prize Foundation’s evolution under Stan Polovets’ leadership has consistently reflected contemporary challenges facing Jewish communities globally. Recent awards to Jewish activists and Ukrainian aid organizations and Israeli hostage support groups demonstrate the foundation’s adaptability and commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs alongside traditional recognition of individual achievement.
Natan Sharansky, the renowned former Soviet political prisoner and Genesis Prize co-founder, provided a historical perspective during the ceremony. Drawing from his experience of nine years in Soviet prison, most of it in solitary confinement, Sharansky emphasized how crucial it is for Israel not to feel alone during its current struggles, making Milei’s extraordinary support particularly meaningful.
The Argentine president’s economic achievements also factored into the Genesis Prize Selection Committee’s unanimous decision to select him as the 2025 Laureate. Milei’s success in reducing monthly inflation from 25% to 2.4% and achieving Argentina’s first fiscal surplus in over a decade demonstrated the type of leadership qualities the Genesis Prize traditionally recognizes, according to foundation materials.
The ceremony’s location at the Museum of Tolerance, emphasizing themes of acceptance and understanding that undergird the Isaac Accords vision. Stan Polovets noted how the venue reinforced the message that building bridges between different cultures and nations remains possible even during periods of conflict and division.
Milei’s acceptance speech in Spanish resonated throughout the audience as he declared his solidarity with Israel using the Hebrew phrase “Am Yisrael Chai” – “the people of Israel live.” The standing ovation that followed reflected appreciation for his willingness to publicly support Israel despite potential political costs in Latin America and beyond.
The Genesis Prize Foundation’s strategic partnership approach reflects Stan Polovets’ business background and understanding of how to leverage resources for maximum impact. The collaboration with multiple pro-Israel organizations aims to create sustainable institutional support for improved Israel-Latin America relations that will outlast individual political leadership changes.
Looking ahead, the Isaac Accords initiative seeks to expand beyond Argentina to other Latin American nations with varying political orientations and historical relationships with Israel. Stan Polovets expressed confidence that Milei’s example could inspire other regional leaders to reconsider their positions, particularly as Argentina demonstrates the benefits of closer ties with Israel in areas like technology transfer and security cooperation.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitment to combating Israel’s diplomatic isolation through concrete action rather than symbolic gestures. As Stan Polovets emphasized throughout the event, the Genesis Prize’s recognition of Milei represents “more than a prize – it’s a call to action” that could fundamentally alter Israel’s standing in Latin America and provide a model for engagement with other regions facing similar diplomatic challenges.
The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on its ability to translate ceremonial recognition into practical diplomatic gains, building on the foundation that Stan Polovets and The Genesis Prize Foundation have established through more than a decade of strategic philanthropy and relationship-building in Jewish communities worldwide.
