Milei to Accept Genesis Prize at Knesset for Championing Israel in Latin America

Argentinian President Javier Milei is set to receive the prestigious Genesis Prize at a special ceremony in Jerusalem’s Knesset on June 11, a tribute to his remarkable support for the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Widely regarded as the “Jewish Nobel,” the Genesis Prize celebrates individuals whose values and actions resonate with Jewish ideals and global impact.

Since taking office in December, Milei has emerged as one of the most outspoken pro-Israel leaders in Latin America. Under his leadership, Argentina has reversed its stance on more than a dozen UN votes now backing Israel decisively. He has formally designated Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations and reopened two long-stalled investigations into the 1990s bombings of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Genesis Prize co-founder Stan Polovets will present the award, after which Milei is expected to deliver a televised address to the Israeli parliament. The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) emphasized Milei’s “unequivocal support” of Israel as a key reason for his selection.

True to the tradition of past laureates, Milei has declined the $1 million prize money. Instead, the funds will fuel a groundbreaking initiative to bolster Israel’s image and partnerships across Latin America. The campaign aims to counter antisemitism, promote economic and diplomatic cooperation, and encourage free-market principles aligned with Israel’s success story.

GPF will initially focus efforts in Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay in 2025, with expansion to Chile, Colombia, and El Salvador slated for 2026. Activities will include educational programming, fully funded trips to Israel for Spanish-speaking influencers, and strategic partnerships with Evangelical groups that proudly support the Jewish state.

A significant portion of the budget will be used to create Spanish-language media content showcasing Israel’s contributions to technology, water management, agriculture, and public health highlighting the tangible benefits of closer bilateral ties.

Polovets explained that the initiative is designed to expose Latin American leaders to the “economic, technological, environmental, and public-health dividends” of aligning with Israel. Milei himself hailed the project as a means to deepen dialogue and build lasting cooperation based on “freedom, democracy, and mutual respect.”

With countries like Brazil and Mexico voting against Israel in over 90% of UN General Assembly resolutions last year, Milei’s leadership offers a transformative alternative. Argentina now stands as the most pro-Israel country in the region, setting a powerful example for others to follow.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Genesis Prize has recognized figures from across the globe, including Michael Bloomberg, Itzhak Perlman, Natan Sharansky, and Barbra Streisand. With over $50 million channeled into philanthropic initiatives across 31 countries, the award continues to honor and elevate those who exemplify Jewish values and global impact.

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