What Made 2025 Impossible to Ignore {30 Dec 2025}

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Hope but Vigilance for the Jewish Community in 2026

The Jewish community enters the new year with renewed clarity and determination despite the significant and deadly challenges faced in 2025. This past year has stripped away any remaining illusions: anti-Jewish hate became more explicit, more violent and more politically normalized – in the U.S. and around the world.

From the Fringes to the Mainstream: Normalization of Hate

Narratives once considered fringe are increasingly gaining support along the ideological spectrum – signaling a broader normalization of hostility toward Jews. The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of NY – the city with the world’s largest Jewish population – deeply alarmed Jewish communities nationwide. The ADL found that more than 20% of his transition team appointees have extremist backgrounds. One official resigned after a past tweet about “money hungry Jews” was revealed, while others supported the Hamas massacre of Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023.

Political polarization from the far left and far right increasingly threatens Jews – and America. Some leaders on the left increasingly tolerate anti-Jewish hate when it is framed as anti-Zionism. On the other side of the aisle, the same language is increasingly being used, as support for Israel declines. A recent Jewish People Policy Institute report noted a surge in anti-Jewish hate on the right from powerful influencer Candace Owens, while commentator Tucker Carlson hosted white supremacists and Holocaust deniers on his social platforms that reach millions of followers.

Recently, a Democratic candidate for local council in Maryland blamed “Zionists” – a common proxy for Jews – for controlling politics and, in Florida, a Republican candidate for governor blames the state’s investments in Israeli bonds for the state’s housing crisis.

Violence and Fear in Everyday Jewish Life

There were several major terrorist attacks targeting Jews around the world this year:

Two Islamist terrorists – a father and son – murdered 15 Jews at a recent Hanukkah event in Australia.
An Islamist terrorist attacked a Manchester, England, synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, resulting in two deaths.
An Egyptian man illegally living in the U.S. murdered an 82-year-old Holocaust survivor using a makeshift flamethrower and Molotov cocktails at a weekly Colorado solidarity walk for the Israeli hostages held in captivity.
A far-left American activist murdered an American Jew and her Israeli Christian boyfriend outside the Capital Jewish Museum “for Gaza.”

There were countless other attacks, including beatings, intimidation and vandalism. Many attacks were prevented – but too many instances of glorification and incitement continue. In NYC, some Jewish teens are masking their names: Sivan became Alexandra, Noa is now Nina and Michal goes by Micky when using Uber or ordering coffee at Starbucks. In the UK, a majority of British Jews reportedly feel they no longer have a future in their country. The rise of attacks against Jews resulted in sharp rises in immigration to Israel from Western countries.

Choosing Visibility Amid Sea of Rising Hate

While Jews are taking security precautions to protect themselves and their families, many have strengthened their Jewish identity. Jews across the U.S. and around the world strengthened communal bonds, increased public expressions of Jewish life and engaged more visibly and confidently in civic and cultural spaces. From public Hanukkah menorah lightings to expanded communal programming, Jewish identity was asserted openly as an act of resilience and defiance.

While some young Jews are altering their names in NYC, others are doubling down. Rebecca stated: “If I go into a Starbucks and hear something antisemitic (anti-Jewish), I would say my name is Rivka – my Hebrew name.” A teenage boy defiantly uses his name, as he explained, “in the Jewish religion it acknowledges the individuality of each person.”

A new Chabad Jewish community center is being built at the site of the horrific Bondi Beach massacre in Australia. It is named after the Chabad emissaries, Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitin, who were murdered in the attack. In a powerful display of solidarity, tens of thousands of Australians solemnly commemorated the attack at a public menorah lighting.

Israel Helps Shape a New Middle East

Jan. 1, 2026, looks entirely different than Jan. 1, 2025, because of significant Israeli military and strategic victories that have benefitted America, Israel and the broader Middle East. A year ago, Iran’s nuclear program was a major threat, dozens of Israeli hostages remained in Gaza and Iran’s proxies were attacking targets across the region with growing and unrelenting intensity. The year ended with an entirely different landscape.

The return of the remaining living hostages – and the remains of the deceased, except for one – allowed families to start healing and rebuilding after two years in brutal captivity. Former hostages have begun reclaiming their lives – including the ordinary milestones they had missed in captivity. Matan Zangauker recently proposed to Ilana Gritzewsky – they both were kidnapped by terrorists from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Zangauker’s mother tweeted a picture celebrating, calling it: “My picture of victory.”

Israel delivered significant military blows across multiple fronts, weakening Iran and its proxies, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Questions about disarming Hamas and Hezbollah remain, but Israel’s accomplishments have already reshaped the regional balance of power in ways that advance American interests in stability and deterrence. This reality was reflected in the recent meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, as both leaders discussed regional security and next steps. The Israel Prize – the country’s top honor – will be awarded to Trump for his “special contribution to the Jewish people.”

Looking Ahead to 2026: Hope and Vigilance

Universities remain a major concern, but some institutions have begun taking incidents more seriously, strengthening enforcement and reassessing policies following civil rights settlements with the federal government. Concerns also are increasing in K-12 education where anti-Israel activism has increasingly entered classrooms – in some cases with the support of teachers’ unions.

Significant risks also remain abroad. Even as the war in Gaza has largely ended, it remains unclear whether Hamas and Hezbollah will disarm and whether Iran will again escalate regional threats. Reports that Iran may be advancing biological and chemical missile capabilities underscore the need for continued vigilance in a volatile region.

Domestically, anti-Zionism continues to gain mainstream acceptance and is increasingly used as a substitute for anti-Jewish hatred. Activists across the political spectrum – from the Democratic Socialists of America to newly emerging right-wing conservatives – persist in demonizing Jews to advance their political agendas.

Cautious optimism rests on the possibility that anti-Jewish hatred can be confronted more directly by leaders, institutions and civil society. Some political leaders – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Fetterman – are addressing the ideologies fueling hate within their own parties. Many leaders also acknowledged that the same ideologies that threaten Jews – especially radical Islam – also pose a threat to America and Western democracies.

1. Jewish communities respond to rising hate with strength and pride

Jews across America and around the world have confronted rising anti-Jewish hate by standing visibly and confidently rather than retreating. Jewish communities strengthened their connections and chose engagement over silence. Even amid pressure and intimidation, many openly asserted Jewish identity, turning visibility into a statement of resilience, pride and shared values.

2. Anti-Jewish hate moves from fringe to mainstream

Language and ideas that were once unequivocally condemned have become openly promoted. Anti-Jewish tropes are increasingly common in politics, on college campuses and across social media. Narratives and influencers that were once considered fringe are gaining legitimacy at an alarming rate across the ideological spectrum – signaling a dangerous normalization of anti-Jewish hate. Anti-Zionist ideologies have morphed into blatant antisemitism and even violence.

3. Political polarization weakens democracy

Political polarization erodes democratic norms and weakens trust. As extreme rhetoric gains traction across the political spectrum, facts are dismissed, opponents are dehumanized and accountability gives way to tribal loyalty. This environment creates space for hate and political violence to spread unchecked, undermining the civic culture and democratic safeguards that protect everyone. This is not only a threat to Jews – it is a threat to all Americans.

4. Leaders need to confront extremism in their own party

Politicians play a decisive role in determining whether extremism is challenged or allowed to spread. Confronting hate requires political courage – especially when it emerges within their own party or ideological camp. Silence or selective outrage encourages acceptance of extreme views. Meaningful progress depends on leaders placing democratic values and public safety above partisan loyalty and holding their own allies accountable.

5. Israel’s actions promote regional stability

The Jewish state’s actions over the past year have reshaped dynamics in ways that promote greater stability – a benefit for Israelis, Americans and prospects for peace. By weakening Iran and its terrorist proxies, Israel disrupted networks that fuel violence across the Middle East. These developments boost American interests, reduce threats to allies and reinforce deterrence in a region long defined by volatility. There is renewed interest in expanding normalization ties between Israel and its neighbors.

6. Beginning 2026 with renewed resolve and clarity

The forces driving anti-Jewish hate also undermine civic trust, public safety, democratic norms and the American way of life. Progress will depend on sustained vigilance, principled leadership and communities standing together to defend shared American values and ideals. This responsibility carries added weight as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

In light of the challenges and opportunities ahead, individuals, leaders and organizations can help play a role in shaping a safer and more resilient society.

Confront hate directly: Call out anti-Jewish hate and other forms of extremism safely, clearly and consistently, especially when it appears in your own political, social or professional circles.

Strengthen civic engagement: Support initiatives that promote democratic values, civil conversations and community cohesion, including education efforts that counter misinformation and radicalization.

Stand visibly with targeted communities: Show unity through public support, partnership and presence, reinforcing that intimidation and hate will not succeed in forcing communities into silence.

Stories Impacting American Jews

Utah man accused of threatening Jews with violence, arrested with bombs, guns
U.S. Coast Guard again retracts policy that sought to downgrade swastika as hate symbol
Man vandalizes menorah outside Jewish food pantry in NYC
Inflammatory Times Square billboard by American Arab org. falsely claims ‘Jesus is Palestinian’ slammed by tourists

Stories Impacting the U.S. and Israel

Palestinian terrorist murders two Israelis at bus stop in northern Israel
Freed hostage Elkana Bohbot: Hamas made me film mock suicide video; Ex-hostage Romi Gonen recounts captors’ repeated sexual assaults: “If you tell anyone, I’ll kill you”
Debunked Hamas casualty figures and their impact on news reporting
Christian population declines in Muslim countries, increases in Israel
Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland – part of Africa’s Somalia – as independent state, rattling Qatar
IDF to deploy world’s first laser interception defense system – Iron Beam
American Jewish WWII pilot returned to U.S. for burial 82 years after death in combat mission over Japan
Israeli-Arab transgender model: Israel gave me rights no Arab country would give me

Stories from Around the World

France: Police investigate filmed harassment of Jewish boys at Paris airport, man told boys: “Dance pig” and “Free Palestine”
Canada: Anti-Israel protesters “demand intifada” in shopping mall during Christmas holiday, similar incident in UK
Australia: 14-year-old Jewish girl “ran back into danger,” shielding two children during Hanukkah massacre; Jewish family car targeted in firebombing
UK: Three convicted for plotting “deadliest terror attack in UK history,” against Jews; British political leaders – including prime minister – welcome home detained citizen who called to “kill all Zionists”
Italy: Police arrest seven people suspected of raising millions of dollars for Hamas

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The Focus Project develops and distributes news, background, history and weekly talking points on timely issues to inform individuals and organizations about issues affecting the American Jewish community and Israel, and help readers speak with more consistency and clarity. The editions also provide potential responses for addressing incidents of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. With input from a spectrum of major American Jewish organizations, we focus on that which unites us, rising above political and individual agendas.

Recognizing that hatred of Jews comes in many forms and directions, we strive to address all sources as they arise, and educate our growing audience on topics ranging from inter-religious relations to relevant international developments. From week to week, we may focus on issues arising from the political left, university campuses, from the political right and from institutions, government, and corporations. We don’t try to address all issues in each edition. We hope you will find this information useful in your writing and/or speaking. We are always open to your feedback: info@focus-project.org.