SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and PeerK12 concluded their 2026 San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Student Scholarship Contest with a special awards ceremony held at the RUTH: Remember Us The Holocaust exhibit at the La Jolla Library on Tuesday.
The event brought together students, community members, and Holocaust survivor Ben Midler to celebrate the next generation of young leaders committed to preserving Jewish history and combating antisemitism through education.
The scholarship competition invited high school juniors and seniors across San Diego County to explore Jewish American history, leadership, values, and contributions to American society through original essays and creative projects. Participants engaged with educational materials developed through a partnership between CAM, PeerK12, and the Tikvah Fund, highlighting the profound impact Jewish Americans, including those from San Diego, have made in shaping the nation’s civic, scientific, cultural, and social landscape.
The awards presentation took place alongside a talk by Midler, who turns 98 later this month, and whose testimony served as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding historical memory and ensuring that future generations are taught both the dangers of antisemitism and the contributions of Jewish communities to American life.
“Education remains among the strongest tools for countering antisemitism and building bridges,” said Sacha Roytman, Chief Executive Officer of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). “The enthusiasm and thoughtfulness shown by these students is deeply encouraging and reflects a sincere commitment to learning about Jewish American heritage and understanding its enduring impact on the United States as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. From past scholarship contests in Virginia and Iowa, and now San Diego, as well as other educational initiatives, CAM is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young Americans of all backgrounds to engage with history, become more informed citizens, and stand in solidarity with the Jewish people.”
Tamar Caspi, Co-Founder of PeerK12, emphasized the importance of integrating Jewish American history into mainstream education.
“One of the most effective ways to combat antisemitism is to ensure that Jewish stories, experiences, and contributions are included as a normal and essential part of K-12 education,” said Caspi. “When students learn about Jewish Americans alongside other communities that helped build this country, it humanizes Jewish identity, breaks down stereotypes, and creates a stronger foundation for mutual understanding. Jewish American history is American history, and every student deserves the opportunity to learn it.”
The event honored several outstanding student submissions, including:
Isabel Vann, who created multiple original poems celebrating the life and legacy of Jonas Salk, weaving together Jewish values, scientific innovation, and San Diego history through creative and deeply researched literary works. She graduated from Canyon Crest Academy and is attending Indiana University in the fall.
Abigail Weisman, whose essay examined the civic leadership of San Diego Sheriff Bill Kolender and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, connecting their achievements to Jewish values of tikkun olam, chesed, and the pursuit of justice. She graduated from Del Norte High School and is attending UC Berkeley in the fall.
Jack Norman, whose essay highlighted Senator Joe Lieberman’s leadership in the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, demonstrating how Jewish values can inspire advocacy, bipartisan cooperation, and equal rights for all Americans. He graduated from Torrey Pines High School and is attending USC in the fall.
The event underscored how Holocaust survivors continue to help educate young people. By connecting survivor testimony with student scholarship and creative expression, organizers emphasized the importance of linking memory with action and ensuring that the lessons of history remain relevant for future generations. This was the final event of the RUTH exhibit at the La Jolla Library, which will now relocate to the Central Library in Downtown San Diego and re-open in September.
Jewish American Heritage Month, observed each May, celebrates the integral role Jews have played in the great American story for nearly four centuries, richly contributing to the nation’s culture, economy, and civic life. From the early colonial period to contemporary times, Jewish citizens have been at the forefront of advancing and defending American freedom, security, prosperity, and innovation, while maintaining a strong faith-based communal identity
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Preceding provided by the Combat Antisemitism Movement