B’nai B’rith invites current college students to address anti-Semitism on college campuses by entering our 2024 None Shall Be Afraid Essay Contest. Winners will earn scholarships and have the opportunity to have their essays published.

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

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.

In an essay of under 750 words, students are asked to answer the following question:

How should universities address and combat verbal threats against Israel and Jews on their campuses?

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.

Awards:

1st Place: $2,500 scholarship

2nd Place: $1,000 scholarship

3rd Place: $500 scholarship

Essays should be sent to cji@bnaibrith.org. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2024.

For more information about essay requirements and contest rules, please visit our website.