Argentinian President Javier Milei was awarded the 2025 Genesis Prize (known as the “Jewish Nobel Prize”) on Tuesday in recognition of his support for Jewish causes.
“President Milei is a true hero of the Jewish people,” stated Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation.
“Unlike leaders of many other countries around the world who either remained quiet, pressured and—in some cases—sanctioned Israel, President Milei has unequivocally supported the Jewish people and their state,” he added. “This award reflects Israel’s heartfelt appreciation for the president and the people of Argentina. A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
According to the foundation, Milei is the first head of state to win the $1 million prize, which every honoree has donated.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Genesis Prize,” Milei stated. “Of course, I will not keep the monetary prize. I will donate it to causes that support freedom and the fight against antisemitism, both in Argentina and around the world.”
“I have deep admiration for Israel, its history and its people. The Jewish people have shown throughout their history that resilience and the defense of freedom are essential to overcoming any challenge,” he added. “This spirit is a cornerstone of the relationship between Argentina and Israel, and I will work to further strengthen our ties.”
Per the foundation, Milei, who was raised Catholic, has “increasingly embraced Judaism since taking a sincere interest in 2021, studies Torah regularly, attends prayer services, placed a mezuzah on his office door and stated his intention to convert to Judaism upon leaving office.”
“His cabinet meetings often start with a discussion of the week’s Torah portion, while one of the most influential government officials, Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, took the oath of office on a Chumash, a copy of the Pentateuch or the five books of Moses,” the foundation added. “Shortly after being inaugurated, President Milei appointed his rabbi and spiritual guide, Axel Wahnish, as Argentina’s ambassador to Israel.”
“Congratulations to my dear friend, President Javier Milei, on being awarded the prestigious Genesis Prize,” wrote Danny Danon, the Israeli envoy to the United Nations. “Your unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people is truly inspiring. You are a close friend and an ally, and you deeply deserve this recognition. Mazal Tov.”
B’nai B’rith International congratulated Milei and said it was a “well-deserved honor” recognizing Milei’s “unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people—particularly in the wake of Oct. 7—and his steadfast commitment to justice for the AMIA terror victims.”
Milei’s pro-Israel tenure has become a defining feature of his time in office.
He announced that the Argentinian embassy will move to Jerusalem, designated Hamas as a terror group and sought an arrest warrant for the Iranian interior minister, who was allegedly involved in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.
The 54-year-old South American firebrand burst onto the international scene as a self-described “anarcho-capitalist” following his December 2023 election victory, instantly becoming one of Israel’s staunchest defenders on the international scene.
