Milstein family launches second annual Innovation Competition

(January 8, 2019 / JNS) The foundation belonging to Israeli-American philanthropists Adam and Gila Milstein announced recently the 2019 Milstein Family Foundation Innovation Competition.

“We are looking for a never-been-done-before, out-of-the-box, pro-Israel initiative on campus and beyond—be it showing positive aspects of Israel, strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance or fighting anti-Israel forces,” according to a poster announcing the second annual contest.

Open to incoming and enrolled college students, up to $16,000 will be awarded to implement the winning proposal. Three finalists will present their projects in front of a judging panel during a reception at the 2019 American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual conference in March in Washington.

Last year’s winners, Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, launched an international campaign to celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday, spreading awareness for the Jewish state among hundreds of thousands of college students on 160 college campuses in 20 states and Canada.

“We want to support young people with wild, amazing ideas that will spread love for Israel among their peers,” said Adam Milstein. “Israel is more than just a country—it’s a powerful story of homecoming and triumph for the Jewish people, a great source of Jewish pride that inspires courage, and a hub for bold innovations that are changing the world. We want to communicate that in new, exciting ways.”

Current or incoming college students, as individuals or in groups, are invited to complete their online application by Feb. 1 on the Milstein Family Foundation website.