$1 million Genesis Prize awarded to Robert Kraft; who dedicates money to fight anti-Semitism
(Photo: Mary Schwalm)
Robert Kraft, American philanthropist and owner of the New England Patriots football team, has been named the 2019 Genesis Prize Laureate.
The annual $1 million Genesis Prize, dubbed the “Jewish Nobel” by Time Magazine, honors extraordinary individuals for their outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values and Israel. The Prime Minister of Israel will present the award to Robert Kraft at a gala ceremony in Jerusalem in June.
In keeping with the Genesis Prize tradition, Kraft has chosen to forgo the $1 million monetary award so that funds can be granted, in his honor, to initiatives combating anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice as well as attempts to de-legitimize the State of Israel.
As of 2018, anti-Semitic incidents (including those not involving physical violence) were being reported in France and Germany at an average rate of four per day. And the UK has experienced record levels of anti-Semitic activity which have stretched from street level incidents to mainstream politics.
Most dramatically, 2018 saw the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history, when eleven Jewish congregants were killed at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in October.
For decades, Kraft has spoken out publicly and donated generously to organizations combating prejudices, including anti-Semitism and the de-legitimization of the State of Israel.
Noting the disturbing trends in the U.S. and Europe, Kraft recently made a public pledge that he would further his efforts to help combat anti-Semitism and all hate crimes. As part of this effort, Kraft’s Major League Soccer team, the New England Revolution, will host Chelsea Football Club (UK) in a benefit match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts in May. All the proceeds from the match – as well as an additional $1 million personal contribution from Kraft – will be granted to initiatives to combat prejudices, including anti-Semitism. -From Genesis Prize Foundation
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Sanders says continuing government shutdown can hurt millions of U.S. citizens
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) urged supporters to petition Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) to permit a vote on legislation to end the partial government shutdown.
Besides government employees who are out of work, he said, the shutdown may adversely affect millions of other Americans, including:
–Low-income and working families who depend on food stamps from the Department of Agriculture will struggle to put food on the table.
–Pregnant mothers and their babies may go without the nutrition assistance they need to stay healthy as the WIC program is on the verge of running out of money.
–Security at airports and the length of time needed to go through security could very well be impacted if TSA employees are not getting paid.
–Farmers and small businesses won’t be able to receive financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture that they need to survive.
–If the federal housing administration is unable to process applications for potential homeowners, many Americans will not be able to get the homes they need. — From Senator Bernie Sanders
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Ezer Mizion arranges trip to Kotel for 10-year-old cancer sufferer
Ezer Mizion, the world’s largest bone marrow registry, recently arranged for an unidentified, terminally-ill 10-year-old cancer sufferer to visit the Kotel, a trip in a specially equipped ambulance that required clearances from doctors, religious authorities, and law enforcement officials.
“With the help of the trained Ezer Mizion drivers, he was able to turn to the side, reach out and kiss the stones,” according to an organization spokesperson. “A kiss that resounded in the heaven as the tears of the angels mingled with those on the plaza who were watching from afar. A soul had come home.” — From Ezer Mizion
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Mashgiach Convention alerted to factory practices that may make foods unkosher
At a recent gathering of mashgiachs (kosher food supervisors) of the Kosher Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD), a highlight was a question and answer session with Dr Moshe Rosenfeld, Chief Chemist and Research Consultant at KLBD, who stressed the importance of having good scientific understanding and technical knowledge of the factories during an inspection.
Dr Rosenfeld alerted the gathering to recent trends in the oil and glycerine markets towards using recycled cooking oils (UCOs), which is a great Kashrus concern, and how one must be vigilant about adulteration of all sorts of raw materials. Dr Rosenfeld also discussed recent developments and world trends of various sensitive ingredients including Triacetin, Fusel Oils and Fatty Acids. — From KLDB
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Preceding items culled from news releases. Please send yours to editor@sdjewishworld.com