Argentina’s President Milei to Get $1M Genesis Prize in Israel

Argentine President Javier Milei is scheduled to travel to Israel in June to formally accept the 2025 Genesis Prize, a prestigious $1 million award recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support for Jewish values and the State of Israel. The award ceremony will take place at the Israeli Knesset on June 11, where Milei is also expected to deliver a speech before members of parliament.

Initially planned for March, the visit was postponed and has now been rescheduled to coincide with the official award event. Milei’s selection as the laureate was announced in January, making him the first sitting head of state to receive the honor.

Policy Shifts and Regional Implications

Milei was recognized for a series of pro-Israel policy shifts that mark a departure from Argentina’s past diplomatic stance. Under his leadership, Argentina reversed its traditional voting behavior at the United Nations, which had often aligned with resolutions critical of Israel. His administration has also formally designated both Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations — a classification that diverges from some Latin American nations’ positions.

Another significant initiative under Milei’s presidency has been the reopening of investigations into the deadly bombings of Jewish and Israeli institutions in Buenos Aires during the 1990s. These include the 1992 attack on the Israeli Embassy and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, which together killed over 100 people and remain unresolved to this day.

In alignment with his stated foreign policy goals, Milei has pledged to relocate Argentina’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move would position Argentina among a limited number of countries, including the United States, that recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital — a highly sensitive issue in international diplomacy. However, officials have indicated that the relocation is not expected to take place during this visit.

Donation to Strengthen Latin America–Israel Relations

In keeping with the tradition of many past Genesis Prize recipients, Milei has announced that he will donate the full $1 million prize. The funds will support initiatives designed to enhance diplomatic engagement between Israel and Latin American nations, while also focusing on combating antisemitism across the region. These programs are expected to foster intergovernmental cooperation and educational outreach in areas where anti-Jewish sentiment has been a growing concern.

Milei’s gesture aligns with broader efforts to position Argentina as a leading regional ally of Israel and to set a precedent for others in Latin America to strengthen ties with the Jewish state. His administration’s approach reflects a shift in Argentina’s foreign policy trajectory and introduces a new dynamic in Latin American geopolitics.

A Prestigious List of Past Laureates

The Genesis Prize was established in 2013 and is often referred to informally as the “Jewish Nobel.” It honors individuals for exceptional professional accomplishments, contributions to humanity, and commitment to Jewish culture and values. The award has previously been granted to figures from a wide range of fields, including public service, arts, and philanthropy.

Among past recipients are former New York City Mayor and businessman Michael Bloomberg, actors Michael Douglas and Barbra Streisand, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, NFL team owner Robert Kraft, and human rights activist Natan Sharansky.

Milei’s inclusion among this diverse group of honorees signals both the global scope of the award and the increasing importance of political leadership in shaping international perceptions of Israel. His forthcoming visit is expected to underscore a new chapter in the relationship between Argentina and Israel, with broader implications for regional diplomacy.