2026 Bernard Lewis Prize

European anti-Semitism, in both its theological and racist versions, was essentially alien to Islamic traditions, culture, and modes of thought. But to an astonishing degree, the ideas, the literature, even the crudest inventions of the Nazis and their predecessors have been internalized and Islamized. The major themes—poisoning the wells, the invented Talmud quotations, ritual murder, the hatred of mankind, the Masonic and other conspiracy theories, taking over the world—remain; but with an Islamic, even a Qur’anic twist.

- Prof. Bernard Lewis

The 2026 Bernard Lewis Prize is awarded to scholars or practitioners engaged in the study of issues on antisemitism that were of great importance to our founding chairman, Prof. Bernard Lewis. While Christian antisemitism is well-studied, a stigma remains around addressing antisemitism in the Muslim world. Beyond this, relatively few scholars focus on the Middle Eastern dimensions of Christian antisemitism in religious and cultural terms, much less the political impacts in the West.

The Bernard Lewis Prize will award published or unpublished work that addresses the aforementioned issues in the form of an article, book or book chapter. Recipients of the $2,500 prize will be announced and awarded at the Nineteenth Annual ASMEA Conference in Washington, D.C. on November 7 – 9, 2026. Additionally, all finalists will present and discuss their work during the Conference.

Guidelines:

  • Submissions are only accepted via the online submission portal.
  • Only active members of ASMEA will be able to submit.
  • A submission may be published or unpublished.
  • Two letters of reference are required.
  • Finalists are invited to present at the Nineteenth Annual ASMEA Conference. Being invited is not a guarantee of being a winner.
  • Winners are announced at the Bernard Lewis Prize Reception at the Annual Conference. 
  • The deadline to submit is June 30, 2026.
Apply for the Bernard Lewis Prize

Competing for a grant program or prize is a member benefit and only active members of ASMEA will be able to submit an online application. You can join ASMEA here.

Technical issues for submitting or membership queries can be directed to Emily Lucas at [email protected]. You can also view FAQs about the online submission form here.