It was announced, Thursday, that Jay Leno, the iconic former Tonight Show TV host comedian, will emcee the first Genesis Prize award ceremony in Israel, a $1 million prize given to outstanding individuals who "embody the character of the Jewish people and values... and the State of Israel."

The first recipient of the new prize will be former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who will come to Israel to receive the award. Bloomberg has said he will donate the prize to a charitable cause.