‘Fiddler to the world’ Perlman wins ‘Jewish Nobel Prize’

World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman has been named the winner of the 2016 Genesis Prize Laureate.

Dubbed ‘The Jewish Nobel Prize” the $1million annual award given to individuals who have achieved extraordinary professional success, have made a significant contribution to humanity, and inspire others through their engagement and dedication to the Jewish community and Israel.

Chairman and co-founder of the prize, Stan Polovets said: “Itzhak Perlman is the embodiment of everything an ideal Genesis Prize Laureate should be. Itzhak has achieved unparalleled professional success, and through his music brings joy to millions of people around the world.

“A 16-time Grammy award winner, he has been an incredible source of inspiration for individuals with special needs by overcoming tremendous personal challenges after having been severely disabled by polio at age four. We are delighted to have Itzhak as our 2016 Laureate.”

Perlman was the soloist for the musical score in Schindler’s List.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “I congratulate Itzhak Perlman. I am proud that such prestigious awards have been bestowed on a citizen of Israel. While it is coincidental that these announcements came close together, they provide an opportunity to reflect on Itzhak’s exceptional and varied contribution to humanity in his role as the ‘Fiddler to the World.'”

Netanyahu will present the Genesis Prize to Perlman in June at a ceremony in Jerusalem.