While Makkai has participated in fundraising efforts against antisemitism, critics argue that her comments regarding Israel's actions in Gaza may perpetuate harmful stereotypes against Jews.

Critics have questioned Makkai's ability to effectively address these themes, given her grandfather's role in enacting discriminatory laws against Jews.

Rebecca Makkai, a bestselling author, is currently writing a novel set in 1938 that delves into the rise of Nazi and fascist sympathizers in the United States.

The discussions surrounding her novel raise broader questions about who has the right to tell stories about historical atrocities and the implications of such narratives in today's cultural landscape.

Although her upcoming book is slated for publication in 2026, it has already ignited controversy due to its sensitive subject matter.

Makkai's grandfather, Janos Makkai, was a Hungarian politician who played a significant role in drafting antisemitic laws that excluded Jews from public life during World War II.

These 1939 laws defined Jews as a race and imposed strict quotas in professional roles, contributing to the deportation and murder of a large portion of Hungary's Jewish population during the Holocaust.

Despite this troubling legacy, Rebecca Makkai has openly reflected on her family's complex history, including her grandfather's actions.

Journalist Emily Fox Kaplan has challenged Makkai for not adequately addressing her grandfather's complicity in the persecution of Jews in her public statements.

Makkai's recent remarks have drawn criticism for allegedly downplaying the seriousness of antisemitism today, which has surged to levels not seen since the 1930s.

In her writing, Makkai has drawn parallels between historical fascism and contemporary political events, specifically referencing Donald Trump's rallies.

She acknowledges that many who supported fascism were misinformed rather than inherently evil, a perspective that has sparked further debate.