2026 Called the Year to End Antisemitism’s Resurgence in America
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the United States enters 2026, a compelling call has emerged to make this year a turning point in the fight against antisemitism, which has seen a troubling resurgence since the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. The attack, which included a massacre and kidnappings, has reverberated far beyond the Middle East, sparking a rise in antisemitic incidents and rhetoric within American discourse.
Historically, antisemitism in the U.S. has been relatively marginal since World War II. The post-war era established a strong “American Consensus” against such hatred, reinforced by landmark civil rights legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These efforts helped marginalize antisemitic voices and fostered broad societal rejection of Jew hatred. American support for Israel, especially after the 1967 Six Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, remained steadfast, reflecting the strategic alliance between the two nations.
Israel today is recognized as a nuclear and intelligence superpower, often aligning its hard power initiatives with American interests. Yet, before the 2023 Hamas invasion, attacks on Jewish institutions in the U.S. were infrequent, though sometimes deadly. The 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, which left 11 dead, remains the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Subsequent incidents, such as the shooting at Chabad of Poway in California, raised alarm but did not herald a sustained wave of violence.
Compared to the widespread antisemitism seen in Europe and the Middle East, American Jews have generally lived with relative peace and security, albeit with vigilance. However, the October 7 atrocities marked a disturbing shift. Following the Hamas attack, Hezbollah, Iranian-backed militias, and other groups escalated hostilities against Israel, intensifying global tensions.
In this context, voices like Hugh Hewitt have urged Americans to reject the normalization of antisemitism and to reclaim 2026 as a year when such hatred becomes unequivocally unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called on Western governments to actively oppose antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish communities worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated action.
The rise in antisemitic incidents has prompted law enforcement and federal agencies to increase vigilance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to monitor hate crimes closely, while the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has intensified efforts to prosecute those responsible for hate-motivated violence.
Community organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League have highlighted the need for education and awareness campaigns to counter antisemitic rhetoric and violence. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged the growing threat posed by extremist groups and is coordinating with local agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
As 2026 unfolds, the challenge remains clear: to restore the post-World War II consensus that made antisemitism socially and politically unacceptable in America. This renewed commitment is vital not only for the safety and dignity of Jewish Americans but also for the broader health of American democracy and social cohesion.
Leave a Reply