The Genesis Prize Foundation has announced “all Jewish activists and NGOs working to support the Ukrainian people in their quest for freedom, independence, and dignity” as the collective winners of the 2023 Genesis Prize.

Now in its 10th year, the $1 million award has honored individuals for professional achievement, contribution to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values. After nearly a year of war that began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February and has led to tens of thousands of lives lost, millions of people displaced, and economic fallout around the globe, the foundation decided to honor “Jewish activists and NGOs who were inspired by the brave citizens of Ukraine and their courageous president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and chose to act on their Jewish values by standing up for freedom, human dignity, and justice.”

“In doing so, the [c]ommittee calls on others—Jews and non-Jews—to get involved in the effort to aid Ukraine’s struggle for independence and help overcome the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the war,” the Genesis Prize Selection Committee said in its resolution. The foundation also will continue to award grants throughout the year to NGOs dedicated to alleviating the suffering in Ukraine.

“The 2023 Genesis Prize honors those who have put their energy, passion, resources, and time into the quest to help Ukraine; those who have selflessly taken on the toil of alleviating Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis and helping its citizens in their fight for freedom, dignity, and independence,” said Genesis Prize Foundation founder and chair Stan Polovets. “Rather than focus on past achievements, the 2023 Prize honors those currently engaged in good work—and encourages others to join this effort.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Lucy O’Bryan)