PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – inSIGHT Through Education today announced the launch of the Chesed Social Media Contest, inviting all middle and high school students in Palm Beach County public schools to use their creativity and online influence to stand against antisemitism, bullying, discrimination, or any form of hate.
Inspired by profound acts of kindness (Chesed) that occurred even amidst the immense cruelty of the Holocaust, the contest challenges students to create original social media content that promotes kindness, acceptance, and respect. By amplifying youth voices on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the contest encourages real change—shaping a culture of empathy both online and in schools.
“The digital space needs an infusion of grace, benevolence, empathy, and compassion,” said Roneet Edrich, Executive Director of inSIGHT Through Education. “This contest empowers the next generation to be the architects of a kinder, more respectful online world. By looking back at lessons of courage during the Holocaust, students can learn how to stand up to hate today and use their online influence to amplify the attributes of grace, benevolence, empathy, and compassion.”
The contest is open to all public middle and high school students in Palm Beach County and students may submit entries individually or as part of a group. The categories for submission include:
- Short Form Video:
- Option 1: One video (60–90 seconds long)
- Option 2: Short video series (three 30-second videos)
- Videos should be creative, engaging, and able to stand alone as complete stories.
- Multi-Slide Instagram-Inspired Post:
- A carousel post consisting of 4–10 slides in portrait (4:5 ratio).
- Should effectively tell a story or inform on a specific topic through a thoughtful combination of images, graphics, and text.
The contest encourages students to first research and reflect on a true historical account of Chesed from the Holocaust—such as rescuers, hidden children, or small acts of courage—and then translate that lesson into a modern message of kindness, acceptance, and respect relevant to their peers’ lives.
Key Dates:
- Entry Deadline: All entries must be submitted electronically by January 12th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Winners Announced: All winners will be announced on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, January 27th, 2026.
Winning entries will be chosen based on creativity, impact, and engagement in combating antisemitism, bullying, discrimination, or any form of hate with kindness and compassion. Awards and prizes will be granted to top entries in each division and category.
Student Prizes:
- 1st Place: $1,000 each 4 total winners (2 Middle School, 2 High School)
- 2nd Place: $500 each 4 total winners (2 Middle School, 2 High School)
- 3rd Place: $300 each 4 total winners (2 Middle School, 2 High School)
Prize amounts are the same for individual and group entries; group awards are divided among members.
Teacher Prizes:
- Teachers of 1st Place Winners: $500 each 4 total winners (2 Middle School, 2 High School)
- Teacher with the Most Student Submissions: $500 2 total winners (1 Middle School, 1 High School)
- School Award and Prize School with the Most Student Submissions: $500 2 total winners (1 Middle School, 1 High School)
Recognition will be at award events and on inSIGHT’s digital platforms. Further information about the contest can be found here: https://www.insightthrougheducation.org/chesed
About inSIGHT Through Education
inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and other genocides, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org