This annual essay contest, open to middle and high school students in the Greater Boston area, honors Holocaust survivor Izzy Arbeiter, z”l, and engages students across Greater Boston with the relevance of the Holocaust and its lessons today.

Six winners will receive an educational trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and will be recognized at Greater Boston’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration on April 12, 2026.

Essay submissions are due by March 12, 2026. Learn more.

How To Enter

Middle and high school students will prepare a 400–800 word essay based on the submission guidelines (see below) and submit their essay to this form.

Students will be notified of their submission status by the end of March. If selected, winners will be expected to attend our annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Sunday, April 12.

Essays will be judged based on a standardized rubric by a panel of graders. For questions or more information about the contest, please reach out to programs@jcrcboston.org.

Guiding Essay Prompts

  • What parts of Holocaust history are most important for us to remember today?
  • How can learning about the Holocaust help us confront contemporary antisemitism and hate?
  • How can you, your peers, or your school use the lessons of the Holocaust to foster a more inclusive community?

Please review the full submission guidelines before entering.

About Izzy Arbeiter

This contest honors the legacy of Holocaust survivor Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter, z”l, who dedicated his life to Holocaust education and remembrance. Against all odds, Izzy survived the Holocaust, though he lost most of his family. Sadly, Izzy died in October 2021, but his commitment to educating future generations endures through this essay contest, a lasting tribute to his remarkable legacy.

For students looking to learn more about Holocaust remembrance and education, additional resources can be found at the New England Holocaust Memorial website at nehm.org.

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