Honoring Courage. Countering Hate.
The 2026 Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award, powered by The Jewish Education Project, honors individuals who exemplify taking action against antisemitism and towards countering hate across nine categories, including Middle School Educators, High School Educators, High School Students, University Students, Influencers, Gamers, University Administrators, Campus Jewish Professionals, and Community Upstanders.
This award recognizes individuals in the USA or Canada who exemplify upstanding citizenship in taking action against antisemitism and countering hate, often through expanded allyship and compassion. Award recipients will have made a thoughtful and lasting impact in their communities, regardless of size.
Nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Select your category below to begin.
Student Categories
Educator Categories
Community & Digital Categories
Award Criteria
The nominees will have made a positive impact during the calendar year of 2026 by exemplifying one or more of the following:
- Cultivating an appreciation for Jewish identity, values, or culture
- Deepening or maintaining interfaith partnerships and understanding
- Implementing projects and initiatives that celebrate diversity and counter hate and antisemitism
Nomination Guidelines
Anyone may nominate candidates in the following categories: educators, influencers, gamers, university administrators, campus Jewish professionals, and community upstanders.
A faculty member, school staff member, administrator, community member, or peer should complete the nomination form to nominate a student. Students may not self-nominate. Eligible students live and go to school in the USA or Canada and must be in high school or university. All nominations are due by Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Stay Updated on the Awards
Get the latest news about award recipients, future nomination periods, and updates from Shine a Light and The Jewish Education Project.
For Media Inquiries
For questions about the Shine a Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Awards, please contact:
Faigy Gilder
Communications & Marketing Manager
Shine a Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Awards
Email: Faigy@MissionMarke.Tech
Available to provide additional information about award recipients, arrange interviews, and supply high-resolution photos and supporting materials.
Questions? Email civiccourageawards@jewishedproject.org