Census Bureau Approves MENA-American Ethnic Category

The U.S. Census Bureau has approved a new MENA category for the 2030 census, reflecting a historical push to classify Jewish Americans as Middle Eastern, given their roots in the region. This comes as American Jews, amid rising antisemitism, reassess their identity and connection to Israel. In parallel, legal challenges against Israelis have escalated, with 12 war crime cases initiated since October 2023, using social media content to prosecute individuals like Yuval Vagdani, a survivor of the Nova festival massacre. Meanwhile, discussions around Jewish identity continue, with events highlighting the contributions and experiences of Jews of Color in America and Israel. The past influences current Jewish activism, as exemplified by the ongoing dialogue about cultural heritage and political engagement in Jewish communities. These developments underscore the evolving nature of Jewish identity and the complexities surrounding diaspora experiences.