The Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to encourage young women to enroll in programs of study in Israel. The fund is dedicated to the memory of Alisa Flatow z”l, a 20-year-old woman who was learning in Israel before she was murdered in a terrorist attack in April 1995.
The Fund provided financial awards to over 150 students between 2001-2016. The fund is able to provide scholarships and grants in 2024 and beyond thanks to a generous legacy gift from Edith J. Lowen z"l, in honor of Pearl P. Stein z"l. Edith was a woman of independent spirit and means who wanted women to have access to an array of educational opportunities.
Alisa Flatow died on April 10, 1995 as the result of a terrorist attack in Israel. Alisa had taken a semester off from Brandeis to study at Nishmat in Jerusalem. A few days before the Passover holiday, Alisa traveled to a resort in Gush Katif because, as she told her father, "I want to get a few days in the sun." While on the public bus, a suicide bomber drove his van loaded with explosives into the vehicle.
During Alisa's early years, the Flatows belonged to a synagogue and observed some traditions, but they did not immerse themselves significantly in Jewish life. At just under five years old, Alisa announced to her parents that she would not be attending the local public school but, instead, would be going to a local day school. From that moment on, Alisa was the driving force for Yiddishkeit, Torah observance, and spirituality in her family.
Alisa loved the State of Israel. She made her first trip at the age of eleven and fell in love with the country and its people over the ensuing five visits.
Alisa's legacy did not end with the terrorist’s bomb. By establishing the Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship Fund in their daughter’s memory, Stephen and Roslyn Flatow have encouraged students to pursue transformational Israel experiences, thereby sharing in Alisa’s excitement at living in Israel and in her passion for Torah learning.
We welcomed Alisa’s perception and her sense of humor... She was endlessly patient and amusing, encouraging and yet seriously conscientious. — A friend at Nishmat
- Awards will be made for the first year of study only.
- Programs that combine secular and religious study, or religious study and work/internship will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Acceptance to a program is not required in order to apply.
- The institution must have a 501(C)3 tax exempt status and must have an American affiliate mailing address.
Each applicant must submit an application with essays* and two letters of recommendation.
Please note the following important dates:
- Applications due by February 5, 2026
- Reference letters due by February 26, 2026
- Applicants will be notified of decisions in early summer 2026
1. Which person or event has most influenced your Jewish development?
2. How does the existence of the modern State of Israel and the ability of the Jewish people to freely return there impact you?
Jewish Responsibility, and Keeping an Eye on the Future
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