At a time of growing concern over antisemitism across the United States, a new educational initiative in San Diego is seeking to empower the next generation through knowledge, creativity, and a deeper understanding of Jewish American contributions.
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in partnership with educational organizations, has announced the launch of the San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month Student Creative Contest, inviting students to explore and reflect on the impact of Jewish individuals, values, and ideas on American society.
The initiative comes on the heels of a significant milestone for the city: the San Diego City Council’s recent adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, widely regarded as a critical tool in identifying and combating modern forms of anti-Jewish hatred.
Organizers say the timing is no coincidence.
“After San Diego took an important stand against antisemitism… we’re excited to launch this contest to engage students in learning about Jewish American heritage and its impact on our country,” said Lenore Zach, CAM’s Jewish American Heritage director.
The contest invites submissions in three categories: Jewish individuals who shaped America, Jewish leadership and partnerships in advancing social causes, and Jewish ideas and cultural contributions to society.
Through essays and creative expression, students are encouraged not only to study history but to connect it to contemporary challenges, including rising antisemitism and the need for stronger cross-community understanding.
Jewish American Heritage Month, observed each May, was established in 2006 to recognize more than three centuries of Jewish contributions to American life—from public service and innovation to culture and civil rights.
San Diego itself reflects this legacy. Jewish pioneers arrived in the region as early as the mid-19th century, quickly becoming an integral part of the city’s social and economic fabric.
Today, educators and community leaders see initiatives like this contest as essential tools in confronting ignorance and prejudice. Education, they argue, remains one of the most effective ways to counter hate and build resilience within society.
The program also underscores a broader strategy increasingly adopted across the United States: combining policy measures, such as adopting formal definitions of antisemitism, with grassroots educational efforts aimed at young people.
Similar contests have been launched in other states, including Iowa and Virginia, reflecting a growing national movement to engage students in Jewish American Heritage Month through structured learning and civic participation.
In San Diego, the stakes are both local and global. Organizers hope that by encouraging students to explore the enduring contributions of Jewish Americans, the initiative will not only celebrate a rich heritage but also help shape a more informed, tolerant, and resilient future.
Submissions for the contest are open until May 15, with up to $30,000 in scholarships to be awarded. Winners will be honored at a Jewish American Heritage Month reception in San Diego later that month.
At its core, the initiative reflects a simple but powerful idea: that understanding the past is essential to shaping the future—and that the fight against antisemitism begins with education.
CAM’s partners for the project include PeerK12 and Tikvah Fund.
A similar initiative is being led by CAM in Iowa this year, as well as Virginia last year.
For more information and to submit an entry, please visit: jahm.combatantisemitism.org/sandiego2026 or peerk12.org/jahmcontest2026