Israel Genesis Prize awarded to Argentine President Javier Milley

Jerusalem– Argentine President Javier Milley has been awarded Israel's prestigious 2025 Genesis Prize in recognition of his support for Israel, organizers announced on Tuesday.

During his tenure, Milley announced that he would move his embassy to Jerusalem, joining a small group of countries that recognize the disputed city as Israel's capital. He supported Israel at the United Nations and pledged to bring to justice the bombings of Israeli and Jewish sites in Argentina in the 1990s.

Mire said he was honored to receive the award and praised the resilience of the Jewish people. “This spirit is the cornerstone of Argentina-Israel relations and I will work to further strengthen our ties.”

The $1 million award is awarded annually in recognition of professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values. Previous recipients have donated the award to charity. Milley said he would donate the funds to anti-Semitic causes in Argentina and around the world.

Last month, Mire completed his first year in office. Initially, his inexperience, disheveled hair, sexual boasting and love of his dead dogs, the Rolling Stones and the free market did not inspire confidence in a country with a history of failed economic reforms.

Millais imposed harsh austerity measures that led to rising unemployment and a surge in poverty. But Argentina's soaring inflation is beginning to subside, and Milley's approval rating hovers above 50%.

Organizers of the Genesis Prize said it was the first time the award had been presented to a head of state. Genesis Prize Chairman Stan Porowitz said: “Despite the tremendous challenges faced by his home country, he made it a priority to support Israel in its most difficult moments.” Milai also expressed his deep feelings for Judaism and It was suggested that he might convert to Judaism in the future.

The award is usually awarded at a grand event in Jerusalem each June, in the presence of the Israeli prime minister.

Previous recipients include businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, actor Michael Douglas, violinist Itzhak Perlman, sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, film producer Steve Vin Spielberg; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, former Soviet political prisoner Natan Sharansky and actress Barbra Streisand.

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Associated Press writer Isabel Debray contributed from Buenos Aires.