Billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of New England Patriots, arrives in Israel to receive Genesis Prize

The Genesis Prize Foundation “will donate funds in Mr. Kraft’s honor to causes that combat anti-Semitism and efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel.”

By World Israel News Staff 

2019 Genesis Prize Laureate Robert Kraft arrived in Israel on Monday in advance of the award ceremony scheduled for Thursday, say organizers.

The prize was founded in 2012 as a $1 million award given annually to “individuals who have attained international renown in their chosen professional fields, have made a significant contribution to improving the world, are proud of their Jewish heritage, and are dedicated to philanthropy and social justice,” says the foundation’s website.

It describes Kraft as a “prominent American philanthropist and owner of the New England Patriots football team,” and says that the foundation “will donate funds in Mr. Kraft’s honor to causes that combat anti-Semitism and efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel.”

The foundation adds that Kraft “has spent most of his life advocating for a more just society, tolerance, and inclusiveness. He is one of the world’s most generous philanthropists whose charitable giving reflects the Jewish value of tikkun olam – repairing the world.”

“I applaud Robert Kraft’s decision to focus his energies and the Genesis Prize award funds on combating anti-Semitism, the delegitimization of Israel, and racially-motivated hate crimes,” said Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

“The rising tide of anti-Semitism is a threat not only to Jews but to the very fabric of any democratic society where it is allowed to take place,” said Herzog, adding that “we cannot be blind to history’s lessons.”

In March, Kraft apologized after charges of soliciting prostitution were brought against him.

“I am truly sorry,” he said. “I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard.”