Jewish and Israeli creators ‘pushed out’ of US cultural life, ADL report finds
A new report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) suggests that Jewish and Israeli creators are facing increasing exclusion and harassment within American cultural institutions. The study highlights instances of censorship in publishing and negative ratings for several major art museums regarding their handling of antisemitism.
Why it matters
The findings raise concerns about the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the arts and whether they effectively protect all minority groups.
Yael, a character in a novel by author Meg Keene, was supposed to become Sue. According to Keene, that was one of the recommendations she received from a literary agent, herself Jewish, when she tried to sell a book featuring Jewish characters. Keene, the author of two wedding guides that sold more than 150,000 copies, was also asked to remove Hebrew terms of endearment, scenes set in Israel and a Star of David from the manuscript. An Israeli name, the agent explained, could raise a red flag with editors. Keene did not sign with her and did not change the book. The novel did not find a publisher. The account appears in an unusual new report by the Anti-Defamation League examining the place of Jews and Israelis in American culture since October 7.
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