WATCH: World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman awarded 2016 Genesis Prize

Actress Helen Mirren emceed the award ceremony that recognized the Israel-American maestro.

2016 Gensis Prize
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Itzhak Perlman the prestigious 2016 Genesis Prize at a ceremony held at the Jerusalem Theater on Thursday night.
"When I grew up in Tel Aviv, my parents were poor and getting food was a constant problem. But giving tzedaka was a way of life, it’s what we do. That childhood lesson still informs my life," Perlman said upon receiving his $1 million award, which he will regift to organizations dedicated to musical enrichment and advocacy for the disabled.
Actress Helen Mirren emceed the award ceremony that recognized the world-renowned Israel-American violinist.
The Genesis Prize recognizes individuals who have attained excellence and are international renown in their chosen professional fields and who are dedicated to the Jewish community and Israel.
Reuters contributed to this report.