Blab News
Van Jones Joins Genesis Prize Foundation Advisory Board to Strengthen Black-Jewish Alliance
On June 17, 2026, the Genesis Prize Foundation—often dubbed the “Jewish Nobel” by Time magazine—announced that civil‑rights advocate, CNN host, author, attorney, and social entrepreneur Van Jones would join its Advisory Board. The move signals a fresh commitment to unite Black and Jewish communities in the fight against hate.
A Yale Law School graduate, Jones has built a portfolio of nonprofit ventures that span the spectrum of social justice. He founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, launched Color of Change, and created the Dream Corps. His work centers on criminal‑justice reform, racial equity, technology access, and bipartisan problem‑solving. Over the years, he has become a national voice on combating hate and preserving civic dialogue.
In his new role, Jones will collaborate with other board members to advance the foundation’s mission of fostering social, racial, and economic justice. The Genesis Prize Foundation, established in 2013, has backed NGOs that assist Syrian and African refugees, empower women in marginalized Israeli communities—including Arab and Druze women—deliver humanitarian aid in Ukraine, and advocate for hostages and their families during the war in Gaza.
"Van brings extensive coalition‑building experience," said Stan Polovets, co‑founder and chairman of the foundation. "His track record aligns with our goal of strengthening the historic partnership between Black and Jewish communities and expanding public engagement against hate."
Jones expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "I’m honored to serve on the Advisory Board of The Genesis Prize Foundation and look forward to supporting its important work. One area I am particularly interested in is the renewal of the Black‑Jewish civic alliance in America." He added that while the relationship has faced strain, it remains crucial for standing together against hate.
The Advisory Board is chaired by Natan Sharansky, a lifelong human‑rights advocate who spent eight years in Soviet KGB prisons. Sharansky said, "Van Jones’s appointment reflects GPF’s view that Jewish achievement is not only a matter of individual excellence, but also a call to civic responsibility, moral leadership and engagement with the wider democratic society." He noted that the foundation continues to engage distinguished public figures whose experience can advance its mission.
The appointment underscores the GPF’s resolve to foster cross‑community collaboration amid rising antisemitism and racism. While the foundation’s broader initiatives remain unchanged, the addition of Jones is expected to bring fresh perspectives on coalition building and public outreach. The board will likely convene in the coming months to discuss strategies for strengthening the Black‑Jewish alliance and expanding anti‑hate initiatives across the United States and internationally.
The GPF has not announced specific projects tied to Jones’s appointment, but officials indicated that his expertise will inform future programming and outreach efforts. The foundation’s next public briefing is scheduled for early July, where board members will outline upcoming initiatives and assess the impact of the new appointment on the foundation’s long‑term goals.
A Yale Law School graduate, Jones has built a portfolio of nonprofit ventures that span the spectrum of social justice. He founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, launched Color of Change, and created the Dream Corps. His work centers on criminal‑justice reform, racial equity, technology access, and bipartisan problem‑solving. Over the years, he has become a national voice on combating hate and preserving civic dialogue.
In his new role, Jones will collaborate with other board members to advance the foundation’s mission of fostering social, racial, and economic justice. The Genesis Prize Foundation, established in 2013, has backed NGOs that assist Syrian and African refugees, empower women in marginalized Israeli communities—including Arab and Druze women—deliver humanitarian aid in Ukraine, and advocate for hostages and their families during the war in Gaza.
"Van brings extensive coalition‑building experience," said Stan Polovets, co‑founder and chairman of the foundation. "His track record aligns with our goal of strengthening the historic partnership between Black and Jewish communities and expanding public engagement against hate."
Jones expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, "I’m honored to serve on the Advisory Board of The Genesis Prize Foundation and look forward to supporting its important work. One area I am particularly interested in is the renewal of the Black‑Jewish civic alliance in America." He added that while the relationship has faced strain, it remains crucial for standing together against hate.
The Advisory Board is chaired by Natan Sharansky, a lifelong human‑rights advocate who spent eight years in Soviet KGB prisons. Sharansky said, "Van Jones’s appointment reflects GPF’s view that Jewish achievement is not only a matter of individual excellence, but also a call to civic responsibility, moral leadership and engagement with the wider democratic society." He noted that the foundation continues to engage distinguished public figures whose experience can advance its mission.
The appointment underscores the GPF’s resolve to foster cross‑community collaboration amid rising antisemitism and racism. While the foundation’s broader initiatives remain unchanged, the addition of Jones is expected to bring fresh perspectives on coalition building and public outreach. The board will likely convene in the coming months to discuss strategies for strengthening the Black‑Jewish alliance and expanding anti‑hate initiatives across the United States and internationally.
The GPF has not announced specific projects tied to Jones’s appointment, but officials indicated that his expertise will inform future programming and outreach efforts. The foundation’s next public briefing is scheduled for early July, where board members will outline upcoming initiatives and assess the impact of the new appointment on the foundation’s long‑term goals.
