UPDATE ON THE 2025 COMPETITION
But first, thank you to those who applied and shared their work with us.
The 2025 Goldziher Prize set out to “award journalists and digital creators who told stories of solidarity between Jews and Muslims — because behind every conflict are people working toward resolution.”
But violence this year persisted and the resulting profound traumatic losses understandably overshadowed such stories. The narratives we hoped to highlight—stories of connection and complexity that point toward a better future—will have to wait.
With significantly fewer submissions than in previous Goldziher competitions, the judging process did not proceed this year, and individuals originally invited to serve as judges did not participate in the selection of award recipients. After consultation between the Prize’s lead, its funder, and several advisors, a different path was chosen for 2025: honoring journalistic initiatives and organizations that reflect the values of the Prize’s namesake.
ABOUT THE 2025 GOLDZIHER PRIZE
Today, narratives and discourse about Muslims and Jews are largely shaped by violence and deep polarization. To make matters worse, both Islamophobia and antisemitism are on the rise. Efforts of solidarity are painfully overlooked, along with the deeper truths they carry.
The 2025 Goldziher Prize was designed to draw attention to stories and perspectives that move beyond the default framing of conflict in binary terms. We sought work that explores connections between Muslims and Jews — as well as the challenging relationships within each community. While these bonds may be shaped by conflict and burdened by history, they are also sustained by complex, constructive ties that carry a stubborn hope for something better.
Even when covering bombs, blood, and bad news, such journalism makes room for stories that range from high-level diplomacy to common decency. It allows for uncertainty and contradiction, sparking curiosity rather than shutting it down.
By bringing these stories to light, we hoped to expand our collective vision, broaden public understanding, and begin to trace the complicated paths out of our current morass.
Inspired by the legacy of Ignác Goldziher, we are awarding monetary prizes in recognition of individual journalists and organizations that bring fresh perspectives. The Goldziher Prize continues to honor journalistic excellence.
