Jerusalem Unity Prize for Young Leadership

Program Overview: Award recognizing student leaders working on their campuses to advance Jewish unity and bridge gaps within the Jewish world.

Background: The Jerusalem Unity Prize was launched in 2015 by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in partnership with GESHER and the families of Naftali Fraenkel, Gil-ad Shaer and Eyal Ifrach—three Israeli teens kidnapped and murdered in 2014. Hillel International launched the Young Leadership award in partnership with the Jerusalem Unity Prize in 2016.

Award Details:

• Amount: $5,000 plus transportation costs to awards ceremony
• Winner Selection: Individual student or student group
• Award Ceremony: Jerusalem on Unity Day (June 1)
• Criteria: Submission best reflects commitment to bridging gaps within Jewish society and implementing unity initiatives actively on campus

Focus Areas:

• Jewish unity on college campuses
• Innovation in bridging divides within Jewish community
• Student leadership in advancing Jewish unity

Geographic Scope: International (campuses served by Hillel)

Selection Committee: Includes Jerusalem Mayor, parents of Gil-ad and Naftali Shaer, and Hillel International CEO

Application Process

Submission:

• Submit applications online at http://unityprize.org/home-page/
• Deadline: April 7 (of application year)

Award Announcement:

• Winners announced and awarded in Jerusalem on June 1 (Unity Day)

Note: Actual deadline date in 2026 would be April 7, 2026.