[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE GENESIS PHILANTHROPY GROUP

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                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) and their mission to develop programs 
focused on ensuring that Jewish culture, heritage, and values are 
preserved in Jewish communities throughout the world.
  This year, this organization is honoring Michael Bloomberg on his 
selection as the inaugural Genesis Prize Laureate. The goal of the 
Genesis Prize, awarded by the Genesis Philanthropy Group, is to instill 
in the younger generations of the Jewish Diaspora a sense of 
belonging--both to a collective future and to a collective past. This 
$1 million award is endowed by the Genesis Philanthropy group and is 
annually presented by the Prime Minister of Israel to an individual who 
has attained excellence and international renown in their chosen 
professional field, and whose actions and achievements embody the 
character of the Jewish people. This award is the result of a unique 
partnership between the Israeli Prime Minister's office, the Genesis 
Philanthropy Group, and the Office of the Chairman of the Executive of 
the Jewish Agency for Israel.
  The Jewish people have celebrated and relied on the strength of their 
shared identity throughout history. In today's society there is an 
increasing emphasis on finding a ``global identity'', and technology 
has allowed people to be interconnected in new and fascinating ways. 
However, it is important to remember the past, and for younger 
generations to reaffirm their Jewish identity and assert pride in their 
Jewish heritage by highlighting the inherent Jewish values that inspire 
the laureates' achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, let us stand by the Genesis Philanthropy Group and its 
important mission of advancing and celebrating Jewish peoplehood.

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