How should universities address and combat threats against Israel and Jews on their campuses? Share your ideas in the B’nai B’rith Essay Contest and you could win a scholarship.

In the wake of the savage Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, the world witnessed a troubling surge in anti-Semitism. University campuses in particular are grappling with a spike in anti-Semitism and hateful anti-Israel rhetoric. Considering these challenges, the essay question seeks to explore effective strategies for universities to deal with threats against Israel and Jews.

B’nai B’rith International created the None Shall Be Afraid initiative to keep a focus on anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism in our society today. None Shall Be Afraid was inspired by the 1790 letter from George Washington to the congregants of Touro Synagogue in Rhode Island, where he quoted Micah 4:4, “Everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”

Now it’s time for the next generation to take its place in combating the world’s oldest hatred.

Winners will earn scholarships and have the opportunity to have their essays published.

Eligibility Information:   
College students are welcome to apply.

Essay Requirements:
Participants are asked in under 750 words to answer the following question:
How should universities address and combat verbal threats against Israel and Jews on their campuses?

Awards:
1st Place:      $2,500 scholarship
2nd Place:    $1,000 scholarship
3rd Place:     $500 scholarship

In addition to the scholarship, the first-place winner will have their essay featured in the Winter 2024 edition of B’nai B’rith Magazine and published on B’nai B’rith’s website and social media platforms.

DEADLINE: Essays are due by April 25, 2024

Essays should be sent to cji@bnaibrith.org and must include the following information:

Subject Line of email submission should include: NSBA Essay Contest submission from [YOUR NAME]

The body of your email should include: 

• Name
• Age
• Email
• Mailing Address
• Phone
• School and year of expected graduation

Questions? Contact Liz Krebs, Program Manager, B’nai B’rith International: ekrebs@bnaibrith.org

None Shall Be Afraid Essay Contest Rules

• Entries must be submitted in English, as a Word or Google doc, and be a maximum of 750 words in length.  
• The essay must be original, not already in the public domain and not previously published anywhere, either online or in print. 
• The content should not include any partisan statements or any endorsements or opposition of a candidate for public office. 
• B’nai B’rith International and B’nai B’rith Magazine have the right to publish, copy, promote, edit, or share via social media or any other means of promotion. 
• B’nai B’rith will have the right to request a photo of the authors of the top three winning essays and include their city and state of residence in any promotional literature. This will be done after the winners have been selected.
• Entries are limited to one essay per student.
• Winners of scholarship funds will be required to have the scholarship money sent to the college or university they will be, or are currently, attending.