American Jewish Mosaic: A Celebration of Stories, Impact, and Unity

In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) this May, the Combat Antisemitism Movement is launching a national contest inviting Americans of all backgrounds to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of Jewish life and contributions in the United States.

This contest is a unique opportunity to rediscover the pivotal role Jewish Americans have played in shaping the nation's story—through acts of courage, innovation, leadership, and partnership withother communities.

🏆 CAM will award up to $50,000 in prizes, with winners recognized at the prestigious JAHM Congressional Reception in May 2025.

Contest Guidelines

This unique nationwide contest invites participants to engage with the powerful legacy of Jewish Americans through four inspiring categories. Whether you're a storyteller, an artist, a changemaker, or someone passionate about history and unity, this contest offers a platform to learn, reflect, and create.

A total of $50,000 in prizes will be awarded, with $12,500 allocated to each category. Winning entries will be honored at a special JAHM Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C.

📅 All submissions must be received by May 12, 2025.

C O N T E S T G U I D E L I N E S

📅 All submissions must be received by May 12, 2025.

A panel of judges will select the winners at their sole discretion.

C O N T E S T C A T E G O R I E S

Explore the diverse ways Jewish Americans have shaped the nation and continue to inspire, by entering one of four categories:

Personal Tribute – Honoring a Jewish American figure who made a difference.
Unity in Action – Highlighting cross-community partnerships and solidarity.
Creative Expression – Celebrating Jewish heritage through original art.
Plan for Change – Proposing an impactful strategy to educate and confront antisemitism today.

Personal Tribute

Theme: Honoring Jewish American Lives That Shaped the Nation

What to Submit:

A written story (500–1,000 words), short video (up to 3 minutes), or podcast recording (15 minutes)
Must highlight the life and impact of a Jewish American, well-known or unsung, from any field (civil rights, science, business, arts, military, etc.)
Submissions should focus on why their story matters today, their contribution, and how it inspires others.

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💰 $12,500 in prizes will be awarded in this category.

🏅 1st Place, $5,000
🏅 2nd Place, $4,000
🏅 3rd Place, $3,500

Unity in Action

Theme: Celebrating Jewish Collaboration with Other Communities

What to Submit:

A short video (up to 3 minutes) or a written story (500–1,000 words)
Focus on real-life partnerships or friendships between the Jewish community and others—Black-Jewish solidarity, interfaith cooperation, immigrant alliances, etc.
Submissions should highlight shared values, challenges, and successes.

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💰 $12,500 in prizes will be awarded in this category.

🏅 1st Place, $5,000
🏅 2nd Place, $4,000
🏅 3rd Place, $3,500

Plan for Change

Theme: Educating the Future & Combating Antisemitism

What to Submit:

A strategic idea or detailed action plan (PDF or slide deck) for a project, campaign, or curriculum
Submissions may focus on schools, campuses, communities, or online platforms
Must include clear objectives, target audience, steps, and expected outcomes
Participants are encouraged to reference the Jewish Heritage Curriculum (CAM + Tikvah) in their proposals

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💰 $12,500 in prizes will be awarded in this category.

🏅 1st Place, $5,000
🏅 2nd Place, $4,000
🏅 3rd Place, $3,500

What Makes This Contest Special?

Open to students, artists, activists, educators, and everyday citizens alike.

An opportunity to educate, connect, and inspire.

A chance to learn about the rich history of Jewish life in America using the new Jewish Heritage Curriculum, developed in partnership between CAM and the Tikvah Fund—a unique educational resource available to all participants.

Winning entries will not only receive financial prizes, but also national recognition—spotlighted on CAM’s platforms and honored at the Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C.

Profile a Jewish American who made an important contribution to American society.
Who was Emma Lazarus and how did her work with Jewish immigrants redefine the Statue of Liberty?
Celebrate a historic moment when Jews made a positive impact.
Reflect on President John Adams’ description of Jews as “the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations” by spotlighting a noteworthy positive Jewish contribution to humanity.

The Contest is open to all students from 5th grade through 12th grade.
Enter by submitting an essay or a poem.
Essays must be maximum 800 words.
Limit of two entries per student – and the entry must be the student’s original work.
The deadline to enter is May 20th at 11:59pm EST (winners will be announced on May 30^th).

First-place prize: $5,000; 10 runner-up prizes of $1,000 each; and 10 honorable mention prizes of $500 each.

The contest prizes are sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

Personal Tribute

Unity in Action

Creative Expression

Plan for Change

Personal Tribute

Unity in Action

Creative Expression

Plan for Change

What Makes This Contest Special?

Prompts

Rules & Eligibility

Prizes