Genesis Prize Foundation’s Stan Polovets Leads Holocaust Museum Initiative in Greece

In a significant development for historical preservation, Stan Polovets, Founder and CEO of The Genesis Prize Foundation, will participate in a meaningful ceremony marking the commencement of construction for the Holocaust Museum of Greece. The event, set for October 29, 2024, in Thessaloniki, brings together international leaders in a unified effort to preserve and honor Holocaust memory.

The ceremony will feature the distinguished presence of Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marking eighty years since Germany’s World War II surrender and the subsequent revelation of atrocities against Jewish communities and other minority groups. This timing lends additional significance to an already meaningful project. The Genesis Prize Foundation’s substantial $1 million contribution to its construction is a cornerstone of the museum’s development. This funding was dedicated to recognizing Dr. Albert Bourla, the Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, who received the Genesis Prize in 2022 for his leadership in developing the first effective COVID-19 vaccine.

The museum’s location carries profound historical significance, situated at Thessaloniki’s Old Railway Station – the departure point for trains bound for Nazi concentration camps. This thoughtfully chosen site will stand as a permanent reminder of the Holocaust’s impact on the local community. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.

In discussing the initiative, Polovets emphasized its importance in today’s context: “This marks progress on the decades-long dream of building this important museum.” He highlighted Dr. Bourla’s deep ties to Thessaloniki and underscored the critical need for such institutions as antisemitism and Holocaust denial continue to rise globally.

The project emerges at a crucial time when educational resources about the Holocaust are increasingly essential. The museum will serve as a vital center for education and remembrance, working to combat the growing tide of antisemitism through historical understanding and awareness.

The participation of presidents from both Greece and Germany underscores the international community’s commitment to Holocaust remembrance. This cross-border collaboration demonstrates how nations can work together to address historical wrongs while promoting education and reconciliation.

The Genesis Prize Foundation’s involvement, through both financial backing and leadership presence, reflects its dedication to preserving Jewish heritage and fighting antisemitism. The foundation’s support aligns with its broader mission of supporting initiatives that enhance understanding of Jewish history and combat prejudice.

As construction begins, the Holocaust Museum of Greisf will be a crucial addition to the global network of Holocaust education and remembrance facilities. Its establishment represents a memorial to a historical event and a commitment to preventing its recurrence through education and awareness.

The project’s realization through international cooperation and private sector support showcases how various stakeholders can unite to create meaningful institutions for commemorative and educational purposes. Upon completion, the museum will join the worldwide network of facilities dedicated to Holocaust education and remembrance.

This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that history lessons are preserved and transmitted to future generations while actively working to combat contemporary forms of prejudice and discrimination. The museum will serve as both a memorial to those who suffered during the Holocaust and an educational resource for preventing such tragedies in the future, embodying the commitment never to forget while educating for a better tomorrow.