In the wake of the IDF Swords of Iron operation against Hamas, online calls for violence against Israel, Zionists, and Jews have surged by an unprecedented 1,200%, as revealed in a recent report. This alarming data was gathered between 7th–10th October, by the Antisemitism Cyber Monitoring System (ACMS), according to a report by Jerusalem Post.
The ACMS recorded a staggering 157,000 posts that displayed antisemitic sentiments. This marks a 450% increase compared to the preceding four days (3–6 October) and a 360% rise when compared to the same period in the previous month. The undeniable link between this surge in online hate and the Hamas terrorists attacks is of grave concern
Prominent social media platforms, particularly X, are facing heightened scrutiny in the European Union. The EU’s chief of digital rights, Thierry Breton, has issued stern warnings to Meta (owners of Facebook and Instagram) and Elon Musk’s X platform. Breton’s concerns revolve around violations of the Digital Services Act, with demands for swift rectification.
A closer look at the geographical distribution of the data reveals Paris as the epicentre of antisemitic hate speech from 7–10 October. Other cities exhibiting high activity in this realm include New York, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Los Angeles.
The breakdown of the online antisemitic rhetoric is as follows:
- 78% falls under “New Antisemitism”, which is primarily centred on anti-Israel sentiments.
- Classic antisemitism accounts for 16%.
- 6% pertains to the alarming rise in Holocaust denial and distortion.
Themes surrounding the demonisation and delegitimisation of Israel and conspiracy theories are disturbingly prevalent.
While radical Islam, pro-Palestinian groups, Palestinian nationalists, and the radical left emerge as the main perpetrators, the sources of hate are multifaceted. Right-wing extremists, including white supremacists and neo-Nazis, are also seizing the opportunity, disseminating classic antisemitic propaganda with renewed enthusiasm.
Furthermore, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has been vigilantly monitoring global antisemitism since the onset of the war in Israel. Noteworthy incidents include a pro-Hamas chant in Geneva, vandalism at Israeli and Jewish establishments in various cities, and a shocking 1,000 antisemitic incidents reported in France within just 48 hours.
