‘End Jew Hatred Day’ is bad for Jews
Gov. Ayotte has declared April 29, 2026, “End Jew Hatred Day,” an annual observance supported by “the non-partisan, grassroots organization End Jew Hatred” whose purpose is to “foster unity and combat Jew-hatred through public awareness and solidarity.”
Awareness and solidarity are important goals, but this type of public declaration is an offensive and ineffective approach.
As a Jewish American, I believe this is performative, virtue signaling that does not combat antisemitism (or Jew-hatred) and contrarily contributes to its rise. The awareness it brings is distasteful and counterproductive. Solidarity is diminished by focusing attention on Jews over others similarly victimized by hate.
Antisemitism is a constant and growing threat, something I fear greatly. Singling out Jew Hate above all other forms of hate, however, plays right into the trope that Jews are “special” and somehow advantaged over others. Why isn’t there Stop BIPOC Hate Day or Stop Trans Hate Day? Jews have been criticized for abandoning the BIPOC community by assimilating into whiteness/affluence and leaving others behind. Why are we again in this unique category of the oppressed?
Jewish people need to be in solidarity with all victims of hate and discrimination. We need to stand with others and have them stand with us. We do not need to be elevated above others who experience hate. “End Jew Hatred Day” is more harmful to Jews than helpful.