Amsterdam, Netherlands — A recent report by the nonprofit organization CyberWell has shed light on the disturbing trends of antisemitism proliferating across social media. As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, the findings underscore how online platforms have become breeding grounds for conspiracy theories that echo the tactics of Holocaust denial.
The report, titled “Denial and Conspiratorial Self-Victimization in Antisemitic Discourse,” examines the rise of content that minimizes Jewish victimhood and denies acts of violence against Jews and Israelis. CyberWell’s research focused on over 300 antisemitic social media posts that collectively garnered nearly 14 million views. The content analyzed often claimed that Jewish individuals or communities orchestrated violent attacks against themselves, a narrative that distorts reality and fuels further incitement.
CyberWell’s investigation reveals patterns of antisemitism that extend beyond the definitions set by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The typical definitions emphasize Holocaust-related antisemitism, but CyberWell’s research indicates a more complex landscape. The authors of the report underscored that their framework tracks a wider array of antisemitic narratives.
The framework categorizes antisemitic content into four main groups: denial of violent events against Jews, denial of violent events against Israelis, conspiratorial self-victimization against Jews, and conspiratorial self-victimization against Israelis. Notably, the majority of the analyzed posts fell into the category of blaming Jews for the violence perpetrated against them, which was identified as a central theme within antisemitic discourse.
The investigation revealed that about 88% of the posts examined fell under this category, highlighting a prevalent false narrative that suggests Jews initiate or stage violence for their own gain. Such conspiratorial claims often circulate in tandem with denial of actual violent incidents, effectively creating a feedback loop that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
CyberWell initiated the report following a series of antisemitic incidents, including the 2024 Amsterdam pogrom, where Israeli soccer fans were violently attacked by a mob. This incident marked a pivotal moment, revealing the escalation of antisemitic violence in Europe. The research also examined other events, such as the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas and various attacks on Jewish cultural and community spaces in the U.S.
The organization noted a concerning pattern where social media platforms displayed low enforcement of policies intended to combat hate speech. Since the spike in violence on October 7, moderation standards appeared to have relaxed, allowing for continued dissemination of antisemitic content.
CyberWell concluded the report with a series of recommendations aimed at social media companies, urging them to adopt stricter policies against denial of violent acts and antisemitic conspiracy theories. The organization emphasized the urgent need for better detection tools to address these issues, highlighting the responsibility of digital platforms to foster a safer online environment.
In light of these findings, the report serves as a call to action for both social media companies and society as a whole. It highlights the necessity of vigilance and education in combating the threads of conspiracy and denial that continue to plague discussions surrounding antisemitism and Jewish history.