Israel Awards Pats Owner Robert Kraft the “Jewish Nobel” Prize

New England's owner is being recognized for his commitment to combatting anti-Semitism.

Robert Kraft spa
The spa where Robert Kraft allegedly solicited sex showed signs women lived there. (Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Paul Bruinooge/PMC via Getty Ima

Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots has been awarded Israel’s 2019 Genesis Prize by organizers of the prize.

Given each year to a person who provides inspiration through professional achievement and commitment to Jewish values, the $1 million award is known as the “Jewish Nobel” prize.

Kraft, who is a public supporter of Israel and has arranged trips for NFL Hall of Famers to visit the country, is being recognized for his philanthropy and commitment to fighting anti-Semitism.

“I am honored to receive the Genesis Prize and thank the Genesis Prize Foundation for its recognition and willingness to direct my prize money to such worthy causes,” Kraft said. “It is important that we continue to support organizations that focus on combatting prejudices by building bridges and uniting people of different backgrounds.”

His prize money will go to initiatives combatting anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudices.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present the award to 77-year-old Kraft in Jerusalem in June.

Last year’s winner, Natalie Portman, did not come to accept her award because she did not want to appear to be endorsing Netanyahu.

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