ADL Reported Rise in Targeting of Jewish Artists

A new report documents 65 instances of harassment and cancellations against Jewish and Israeli performers across the U.S.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Judaism

ADL Reported Rise in Targeting of Jewish Artists

Live Poll

Should entertainment venues block cultural boycotts that target artists based on their identity?

The Anti-Defamation League released a report titled Dark Stage that details a pattern of identity-based exclusion within the entertainment industry. The organization documented 65 cases of protests, cancellations, and harassment directed at Jewish, Israeli, and Zionist artists across 41 U.S. locations.

Why it matters

The ADL attributes these incidents to activism regarding Israel and Palestine that has crossed into antisemitism and exclusionary behavior. The report highlights how social media campaigns often lead venues to alter or cancel events due to security concerns.

The ADL report assessed 40 major U.S. art museums, finding that 12 institutions—or 30% of those surveyed—received the lowest possible rating for institutional policy and representation. Only the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive achieved the organization's highest rating.

The players

Anti-Defamation League

This is a non-governmental organization that works to combat antisemitism and extremism through monitoring, education, and advocacy.

Judy Gold

She is an American stand-up comedian and actress who has been vocal about her experiences with antisemitic harassment.

Mikey Pauker

He is a musician known for blending traditional Jewish music with contemporary styles who faced performance cancellations in 2025.

Raviv Kaner

He is an Israeli musician who was forced to cancel a planned tour of the United States in early 2025.

Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive

This is the only institution among 40 surveyed by the ADL to receive the organization's highest rating for institutional policies.

The details

Venues have frequently canceled or rescheduled performances following threats or the threat of coordinated protests. Activists have increasingly used platforms like Telegram to organize these campaigns against scheduled appearances, leading to notable disruptions for performers such as musician Mikey Pauker and comedian Judy Gold.

January 2025: Israeli musician Raviv Kaner canceled a U.S. tour after receiving threats.
December 2025: Mikey Pauker had a performance in California canceled due to security concerns.
April 2026: Comedian Judy Gold faced antisemitic abuse during two shows in New York.
July 2026: The ADL conducted a survey of 951 U.S. adults regarding attendance at shows by Jewish artists.

Culture Shift

The increased targeting of Jewish and Israeli artists marks a departure from previous cultural norms, reflecting a period where artistic programming has become a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions. This trend mirrors the broader societal polarization observed since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

The report indicates that residents may experience fewer opportunities to see certain artists if venues continue to prioritize safety over hosting controversial acts. For ticket holders, this trend means a greater likelihood of unexpected performance cancellations or changes in event security procedures.

The takeaway

While the entertainment industry faces ongoing pressure to navigate these complex social dynamics, public sentiment remains largely supportive of artistic freedom. Most audiences remain willing to attend performances by both Jewish and Israeli artists, suggesting that the exclusionary efforts are driven by a vocal minority rather than broader public consensus.