A Night of Unity and Music: The 30th Annual "In Concert Against Hate"
On a vibrant Monday night, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts transformed into a beacon of hope and solidarity as it hosted the Anti-Defamation League’s 30th annual “In Concert Against Hate.” This year, the event rolled out a striking blue carpet, welcoming a constellation of celebrities, Jewish activists, and philanthropists who gathered to raise their voices against rising antisemitism. The evening was not only a celebration of music but also a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against hate.
A Star-Studded Evening
The sold-out concert featured an impressive lineup of performances, including tunes from the beloved musical “Fiddler on the Roof” and a moving rendition of “Oseh Shalom” by the National Symphony Orchestra. Among the performers was Israeli Eurovision star Eden Golan, alongside nine-time Grammy Award-nominated singer Sia, whose presence added a touch of glamour to the evening. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and a shared commitment to combating hate.
Voices of Concern
As attendees mingled on the blue carpet, many took a moment to reflect on the current climate of antisemitism. Ben Stiller, who emceed the event, expressed his concerns about the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents. “Times are frightening,” he remarked, noting that he never expected to witness such hostility in his lifetime, especially after growing up in the relatively sheltered environment of New York City. Stiller emphasized the importance of positivity and unity, urging individuals to reach out to those with differing views and to actively call out hate when it arises.
In a separate conversation, music executive Scooter Braun, honored with the ADL’s Spotlight Award, echoed Stiller’s sentiments. Braun highlighted the necessity of being a vocal advocate against division, particularly in light of the tragic events at the Nova Music Festival, where over 400 lives were lost. “My message is hate never wins,” he declared, reinforcing the idea that collective action by good people can triumph over hate.
Honoring Champions Against Hate
Inside the concert hall, the atmosphere shifted as 2,400 attendees gathered to honor individuals and organizations making significant strides in the fight against hate. Alongside Braun, awards were presented to notable figures such as Mehnaz Afridi, director of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center at Manhattan College; civil rights activist Charles Chavis; and Holocaust survivor Rosette Goldstein. The event also recognized four survivors of the Nova music festival and three U.S. college students—Noa Fay, Luda Isakharov, and Einav Tsach—who have been at the forefront of combating antisemitism on campuses.
A Gathering of Influential Figures
The concert attracted a diverse array of VIPs, including Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, who traveled from Israel specifically for the event. Other notable attendees included Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, and CNN journalists Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer. The presence of members of Congress, such as Reps. Tom Suozzi, Dan Goldman, and Kathy Manning, underscored the event’s significance in the political landscape, as they joined in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Among the audience were also representatives from The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, highlighting the ongoing plight of the 101 Israelis still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the real-world implications of hate and division.
A Call to Action
As the evening unfolded, the messages of unity and resilience resonated deeply. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, encapsulated the spirit of the night with his powerful statement: “Hate never wins.” The concert was not merely a celebration of music but a clarion call for action against intolerance and division. It served as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, coming together as a community can create a powerful force for good.
The 30th annual “In Concert Against Hate” was more than just an event; it was a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the collective commitment to stand against hate in all its forms. As the final notes echoed through the concert hall, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue the fight for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
