Actor and activist Michael Douglas and his family all flew to Jerusalem, Israel for a very special occasion. Mr. Douglas was awarded the Genesis Prize, also known as the Jewish Nobel Prize and was given $1 million.
It was a family affair as Michael Douglas was honored with the prestigious Genesis Prize in Jerusalem by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to its official website, the Genesis Prize also known as the Jewish Nobel Prize, is given to exceptional Jewish nationals along with $1 million after a long voting process.
The Genesis Prize is an annual $1 million prize, which recognizes exceptional individuals whose values and achievements will inspire the next generation of Jews.
The Genesis Prize Laureate is selected from a list of candidates nominated by leaders of hundreds of renowned institutions and organizations worldwide, including universities, foundations, corporations and Jewish organizations. Nominees are then reviewed by the Selection Committee and the laureate is selected by the Prize Committee.
Mrs. Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, looked like she was ready for a Hollywood premiere in a stunning black and nude gown, while Carys Douglas matched her mother in a layered cream dress with a peach bow. The Douglas men – Micheal and Dylan – looked very elegant in dark suits and spring colored ties.
Michael Douglas stood in front of many government officials and activists along with Jay Leno and promised to use the money to “bridge between the Israelis and Jewish communities across the planet.” He said:
“Abraham’s tent had its flaps open and so hopefully since approximately half of the Jewish population in the world is outside of Israel, we can find ways to better understand each other and to grow together.”
Few weeks ago, the 70-year-old actor wrote a powerful piece in the LA Times about his son, Dylan Douglas, being bashed with anti-Semitic slurs because he was carrying a Star of David. The star wrote:
Last summer our family went to Southern Europe on holiday. During our stay at a hotel, our son Dylan went to the swimming pool. A short time later he came running back to the room, upset. A man at the pool had started hurling insults at him. My first instinct was to ask, “Were you misbehaving?” “No,” Dylan told me through his tears.
I stared at him. And suddenly I had an awful realization of what might have caused the man’s outrage: Dylan was wearing a Star of David.
Above is a picture that Catherine Zeta-Jones posted on Instagram with the following caption:
“So proud of Michael for being honored with @thegenesisprize. We’re having an amazing family vacation! Happy Summer Everyone!”
What are your thoughts on Michael Douglas’ family’s unity?
@reglash: Wow! Catherine Zeta Jones is stunning! Jerusalem Mayor @NirBarkat meets with visiting celebs pic.twitter.com/d0cSUGZCw1
— Ruth Marks Eglash (@reglash) June 18, 2015
PM Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu hosted this morning actor Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. pic.twitter.com/fbLqpeqGBY
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 18, 2015
#CatherineZetaJones and #MichaelDouglas with their kids at the #GenesisPrize2015 ceremony <3 pic.twitter.com/EOPSWhS5gz
— J e n n i f e r ♔ (@Jennifer0693) June 18, 2015
