Barbra Streisand has won it all: Academy Awards, Grammys, Emmys and even the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But on Monday, the legendary entertainer learned that she would receive an honor that TIME Magazine once dubbed the “Jewish Nobel,” and which carries deep significance within the Jewish world—The Genesis Prize.
The Genesis Prize Foundation announced on Monday that Streisand would become the 10th Anniversary Genesis Prize Laureate for her commitment to the Jewish people and to “improving the world” across her more than six-decade career as a leading actor, vocalist and advocate. Streisand received tens of thousands of nominations and votes for the prize, according to officials, leading the foundation’s Selection and Prize Committees to unanimously install her as the latest Genesis laureate.
“It is a great honor for our Foundation to celebrate Barbra Streisand – one of the world’s most beloved and admired performers,” said Stan Polovets, founder and chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation. “Her sense of responsibility to heal the world grows out of her Jewish values and her Jewish identity, which Barbra has displayed proudly since the very beginning of her extraordinary career.”
The Genesis Prize honors individuals in the Jewish community for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. Laureates receive a $1 million prize award that is traditionally donated, along with matching funds, to causes they select.
“I am delighted to be honored by the special 10th Anniversary Genesis Prize and to work with The Genesis Prize Foundation to support organizations that seek to better society and our shared humanity,” said Streisand. “I am very proud of my Jewish heritage, and have always been moved by the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam, to repair the world. I hope to join and inspire others in their own commitment to build a better world.”
Streisand has long been noted for her prominent role as a philanthropist. Through her eponymous foundation, Streisand has donated and raised millions of dollars to address some of the most pressing global issues and has provided funding to more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations. In 2022, Streisand became an ambassador for United 24, an organization founded by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to support humanitarian relief across the embattled country.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the inaugural recipient of the Genesis Prize, commended Streisand for being named this year’s laureate and for using the accolade as an opportunity to continue to drive positive change. Streisand has stipulated that the funds be dispersed to organizations making an impact across four areas: the environment, women’s health, combating disinformation and Ukraine relief.
“Barbra Streisand’s passionate commitment to tikkun olam makes her an incredibly deserving recipient of the Genesis Prize,” said Bloomberg in a press release. “From her groundbreaking leadership on women’s health, to her long standing support for stronger gun safety laws, to her invaluable partnership revitalizing Lower Manhattan through the soon-to-open Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center, Barbra has made an enormous impact on her native New York and far beyond. She has used her voice – on and off the stage and screen – to inspire generations, and I’m glad to join her fans worldwide in congratulating her.”
Over the last decade, The Genesis Prize has honored Jewish luminaries across politics, entertainment, science and the arts. In addition to Bloomberg, previous laureates include actor Michael Douglas, violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, advocate Sir Anish Kapoor, Oscar-winner Natalie Portman, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, human rights advocate Natan Sharansky, director Steven Speilberg and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.
Since its inception in 2013, The Genesis Prize has channeled these awards into philanthropic initiatives totaling more than $50 million, with grants going to more than 220 nonprofit programs in 31 countries, directly impacting the lives of tens of thousands of people.
Streisand will be honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles in October.
