Support for Jewish Authors Amid Rising Antisemitism

In recent years, Jewish authors have reported a troubling trend of being dropped by literary agents and publishers, coinciding with a rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment following the October 7 war. Susan Blumberg-Kason, a Jewish author, experienced this firsthand when her agent abruptly ceased representation, a sentiment echoed by several others in her community. Many Jewish writers have expressed concerns that their identities and themes related to Jewish culture are being marginalized or outright rejected in the literary world.

Times of Israel

The surge in antisemitic incidents, particularly in the wake of the Israel-Palestine conflict, has created a hostile environment for Jewish authors. Reports indicate that Jewish writers are facing increased scrutiny and pressure to remove Jewish elements from their work. This climate has prompted a collective response among Jewish authors, leading to the formation of support networks and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of community and resilience.

Times of Israel

In response to these challenges, the UJA-Federation of New York has allocated $300,000 in grants to six organizations focused on supporting Jewish writers. Rina Cohen, who oversees UJA’s Combating Antisemitism portfolio, emphasized the importance of providing tools and resources to help Jewish authors navigate this difficult landscape. Initiatives include the Jewish Book Council's distribution of 100 Jewish Book Kits to promote visibility for Jewish literature and the organization of events like the Jewish Authors’ Summit, which offers practical training and community-building opportunities.

Times of Israel

While many Jewish authors attribute their setbacks to rising antisemitism, the publishing industry is notoriously challenging, and not all rejections can be directly linked to bias. Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of the Jewish Book Council, noted that the experiences of Jewish writers vary widely, with some facing overt discrimination while others encounter more subtle forms of exclusion. The complexity of these challenges complicates the narrative, as not every setback can be definitively attributed to antisemitism.

Times of Israel

Several upcoming events aim to further support Jewish authors and enhance their visibility. The PJ Library is set to host a Jewish children’s book festival in January 2026, which has already garnered significant interest with over 3,500 registrants. Additionally, the Jewish Theological Seminary recently held a literary festival that attracted 450 participants, fostering connections among writers and industry professionals. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort to create spaces where Jewish voices can thrive.

Times of Israel

• “Supporting Jewish writers is an important part of UJA’s overall strategy to confront rising antisemitism,” — Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York

Times of Israel

• “Your job is to keep writing. Our job is to deal with the industry issues and build a community that celebrates you and your work. Jewish writers need to feel confident writing the books only they can write.” — Naomi Firestone-Teeter, CEO of the Jewish Book Council

Times of Israel

• “I realized it’s not just me experiencing this; other are too,” — Zeeva Bukai, Editor

Times of Israel

This collective response from organizations and authors underscores the importance of solidarity and support in the face of rising antisemitism, ensuring that Jewish voices continue to be heard in the literary landscape.

Times of Israel