Erasing Jewish Contributions: A Call for Reflection

Recent cultural shifts in America offer a troubling glimpse into how Jewish identity is being both erased and vilified. Two popular plays—Hamilton and The Lehman Trilogy—are particularly revealing. In Hamilton, a historical figure with possible Jewish ancestry is recast as a Black man, obscuring the Jewish contributions to America’s founding. In The Lehman Trilogy, antisemitic tropes about Jews and money are front and center, portraying Jewish financiers as greedy and exploitative.

Alexander Hamilton’s Jewish roots are not widely recognized, but historians have explored this possibility. His mother, Rachel Faucette, lived in the Caribbean, and some evidence suggests Hamilton may have attended a Jewish school in his early years. Notably, in Michael R. Beschloss’s book The Jewish Founding Father: Alexander Hamilton’s Hidden Life (2022), Beschloss delves into the possibility that Hamilton’s maternal ancestry was Jewish and argues that Hamilton’s education and early associations reflected Jewish influence. While the evidence remains speculative, it sheds light on the often-overlooked Jewish involvement in shaping the United States’ foundations. Yet, the Hamilton production overlooks this significant facet of history, opting for a revisionist narrative that erases potential Jewish contributions¹.

This erasure of Jewish influence extends far beyond theater. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened last fall in Los Angeles, is another prime example. Despite being funded and built in large part by Jewish donors, the museum initially neglected to include the contributions of Hollywood’s Jewish founders. Figures like Louis B. Mayer, the Warner brothers, directors like Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch, and screenwriters like Herman Mankiewicz—whose work shaped the early years of Hollywood—were largely absent from the museum’s exhibits.

Jewish visitors and major donors, such as Haim Saban, voiced public concern that the museum had overlooked these critical Jewish contributions. The Academy later admitted to this oversight, only announcing the addition of a permanent exhibition focused on Jewish founders after the backlash. According to historian Neal Gabler, whose book An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood explores the central role of Jews in creating Hollywood, these figures molded the industry while concealing their Jewishness in an era of antisemitism².

These examples reflect a larger trend in American society where Jewish history and identity are being marginalized or misrepresented. At a time when antisemitism is on the rise, particularly on college campuses and in progressive political spaces, American Jews must pause and reconsider their priorities. Are they defending their place in a society that is increasingly hostile toward them? Are they focusing on the right battles?

These cultural concerns are deeply intertwined with the geopolitical reality Israel faces today. The Biden administration has adopted policies that strengthen Israel’s enemies. By withholding military support from Israel while enabling Iran to gain billions through oil revenues, the administration is empowering groups like Hezbollah and Hamas—both proxies of Iran—to intensify their threats against Israel’s very existence.

At this critical juncture, American Jews must read the handwriting on the wall. While they may feel compelled to engage in cultural and political battles within the US, the larger existential struggle for the Jewish people is playing out in Israel. The revisionist portrayal of Jewish identity in Hamilton, the antisemitic themes in The Lehman Trilogy, and the sidelining of Jewish contributions at the Academy Museum should serve as a wake-up call. These cultural moments highlight how disconnected many Jews have become from their heritage and their homeland.

Instead of fully immersing themselves in movements or causes that may ultimately be at odds with their identity and survival as Jews, American Jews should begin to incorporate Israel more deeply into their lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean uprooting everything and making aliyah overnight. But it does mean thoughtfully reorienting their lives, values, and decisions toward a deeper connection with Israel—whether through regular visits, financial investments, educational pursuits, or even future planning that considers Israel as a central part of their identity.

The current political and cultural landscape in the US may seem familiar and comfortable, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the true fight for the future of the Jewish people is in Israel. As Iran grows stronger and Israel faces mounting threats from its enemies, every Jew should ask themselves: where do my loyalties truly lie? How can I play a part in ensuring the survival and success of the Jewish homeland?

By acknowledging the signs of the times and finding ways to weave Israel into their lives—be it through supporting Israeli causes, educating their children about Israel’s significance, or exploring opportunities to spend more time there—American Jews can play a pivotal role in the ongoing defense and prosperity of the Jewish people.

The rewriting of Jewish history and identity in American culture should not go unnoticed. The choices made in plays like Hamilton, The Lehman Trilogy, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures are symptomatic of a broader trend. American Jews must recognize that their future, and the future of their children, will not be defined by cultural movements in the US, but by the survival and strength of Israel.

Incorporating Israel into their lives is not just about a sentimental connection—it is about securing a future. The real revolution for the Jewish people is happening in Israel, and every Jew has a role to play in shaping that future. The time to act is now, and it starts by recognizing the importance of Israel in the broader narrative of Jewish survival and success.

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