World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder briefly met with Hollywood actor Michael Douglas in Jerusalem. The latter is in Israel to receive the $1 million Genesis Prize.
Douglas and Lauder discussed the recent rise in incidents of violent anti-Semitism, as well as the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement targeting the Jewish state in an economic assault. Lauder expressed his admiration for Douglas's efforts against anti-Semitism and BDS, as well as his fight against the delegitimization attempts against Israel.
He added that he has been a longtime fan of the Hollywood star, who has won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and an Emmy Award, also serves as a United Nations Messenger for Peace.
Douglas will receive the Genesis Award on Thursday at the Jerusalem Theater; the prize will be presented by comedian Jay Leno, along with model and actress Bar Refaeli.
The Genesis Prize is awarded annually by the Genesis Prize Foundation, in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, to individuals who have accomplished major life achievements, and are advocates for the Jewish community and Israel.
Michael Douglas is the son of a Jewish father, the actor Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch) and an Anglican mother. He was also not raised in the Jewish faith, but rather embraced it later in life.
Photo: Shahar Azran
