Mikhail Maratovich Fridman
Mikhail Fridman is an active philanthropist who supports many organizations that contribute to Russian humanitarian, community and educational programs. He cofounded the Russian Jewish Congress and The Genesis Philanthropy Group to promote Jewish educational, cultural and communal activities for Russians around the world. Through educational programs and media publications, the Russian Jewish Congress attempts to promote tolerance of ethnic groups and reduce antisemitism. Fridman served as vice president of the Russian Jewish Congress. The Genesis Philanthropy group provides grants for a variety of programs to raise Jewish cultural awareness amongst Russian Jews. It offers many grants for cultural and educational projects .
US$15.1 billion (June 2015). Born in Ukraine, together with several partners he founded Alfa Group in 1989.
The $1-million Genesis Prize to recognize achievements by Jews in the arts, sciences, and other fields will be presented annually by Israel’s prime minister and supported by a $50-million endowment provided by Mikhail M. Fridman, Petr Aven, and German Khan, members of the Genesis Philanthropy Group.