(Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2021)—Winners of the “Students Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism. A Creative Video Production Contest,” were honored Tuesday at a virtual awards ceremony hosted by B’nai B’rith International and the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM), co-sponsors of the contest. 

This unique public awareness campaign was created to strengthen the fight against anti-Semitism, hatred and discrimination. The contest challenged high school and undergraduate university students around the world to create two- to three-minute videos to boost education about anti-Semitism and the prejudice, bigotry, hatred and violence it engenders. 

The three winners are: 

Porter Christensen of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for “Universal Acceptance.” 

Diego Israel Rivera Berumen of Colegio Libre de Estudio Superiores (CLEU) in Guadalajara, Mexico for “Peace Will Thrive.” 

Madeleine Stern of Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland for her video, “Anti-Semitism is Everywhere: Stop Hate.” 

Following the premiere of her video, Stern said, “I cannot stop after the ceremony ends. Neither can you. We must educate others. We must not be bystanders when we witness acts of hate…we must stand up for what is right.” 

Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission coordinator on combatting anti-Semitism, provided an opening greeting. 

B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin said, “We had an impressive slate of entries from students around the world. The passion and commitment to recognizing anti-Semitism, and fighting against it, is an encouraging sign that this serious problem is getting serious attention from next-generation leaders. Congratulations to our winners, and to all participants, for thinking about this global problem, and global solutions, in such a meaningful way.” 

Kaufman and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Sima Vaknin-Gill, senior advisor to CAM, addressed the winners. 

Kaufman commended all of the contest participants and said, “I know these students can and will fight back. They understand the meaning of Never Again. And never means never. They are not afraid, and I pray their work will influence many others.” 

Vaknin-Gill said she was proud after seeing the videos and addressed the winners: “You are the crucial element in the fight against anti-Semitism…You are the future and that is why we invest in you so much, because it is up to you to take the fight further.” 

Sienna Girgenti, B’nai B’rith program director for strategic engagement, and Daniel West Cohen, director of partnerships for CAM, hosted the award ceremony. 

See the full award ceremony here

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit bnaibrith.org.