Vegan celebrity Natalie Portman has said she is ‘deeply touched and humbled’ after being awarded 2018’s $1m Genesis Prize.

The prize, which honors Portman for being a ‘role model to ‘millions of young Jews around the world’, is often referred to as the ‘Jewish Nobel Prize’.

Her contribution to animal rights – as well as activism around gender equality and poverty issues – was highlighted as one of the reasons for winning the award.

Proud

Portman, who recently produced and narrated a vegan-interest film called Eating Animals, described winning the prize as a ‘privilege’.

She added: “I am proud of my Israeli roots and Jewish heritage; they are crucial parts of who I am.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Genesis Prize Foundation, and look forward to using the global platform it provides to make a difference in the lives of women in Israel and beyond.”

Talent

Stan Polovets, co-founder of the award, added: “[Portman] exemplifies the core traits of the Jewish character and values of the Jewish people – persistence and hard work, pursuit of excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a heartfelt desire to contribute to making the world a better place.

“Without a doubt, she is a role model for millions of young Jews around the world.”

The ceremony, where Portman will be given the award, will take place in Jerusalem next June.

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