Amsterdam, Netherlands — As International Holocaust Remembrance Day approaches, a recent study underscores the alarming rise of antisemitism on social media, revealing a disturbing pattern that echoes tactics used in Holocaust denial. The research, conducted by the non-profit organization CyberWell, seeks to unravel how antisemitic conspiracy theories have proliferated online, particularly following violent attacks against Jewish communities.
The report, “Denial and Conspiratorial Self-Victimization in Antisemitic Discourse: Analysis of the Online Aftermath of Violent Attacks on Jews and Israelis,” analyzed over 300 instances of antisemitic content on social media platforms. Collectively, these posts attracted nearly 14 million views and often denied attacks on Jews and Israelis while asserting that the victims orchestrated these events as part of a broader conspiracy.
CyberWell’s findings suggest a disturbing trend in the manipulation of narratives surrounding antisemitism, diverging from the definitions outlined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Their analysis used a developed categorization system to assess discourse that not only dismisses collective Jewish trauma but also frames Jews and Israelis as instigators of violence against themselves.
The research framework identifies four core categories of antisemitic discourse: denial of violence against Jews, denial of violence against Israelis, conspiratorial self-victimization against Jews, and conspiratorial self-victimization against Israelis. The study revealed overlapping instances where content simultaneously fell into multiple categories, indicating a complex interplay of denial and victimization narratives. For instance, the claim that a deadly assault on October 7 was a “hoax” frequently appeared alongside allegations that Jews staged the attack for political leverage.
This examination was prompted by the brutal Amsterdam pogrom on November 7, 2024, in which Israeli soccer fans were violently targeted by an organized mob. CyberWell characterized this incident as a pivotal moment that catalyzed intensified antisemitic sentiments online. The report cited other significant events, such as the Hamas-led assault on the same day and various attacks that emerged in its wake.
A notable finding from the research revealed that 88% of the analyzed posts fell into the category of conspiratorial self-victimization against Jews. Posts blamed Jewish individuals for orchestrating the violence inflicted upon them, underscoring a troubling trend in online rhetoric that seeks to invert victim narratives. This manipulation feeds into a broader culture of incitement, further perpetuating cycles of hatred and violence.
CyberWell highlighted the prevalence of “false-flag” conspiracies in many of the examined posts, suggesting that these narratives attempt to frame antisemitic incidents as staged events, designed to manipulate public perception. Moreover, the term “Zionist” has increasingly morphed into a derogatory label, often used as a euphemism for Jews and Israelis rather than as a political designation.
A critical concern raised by CyberWell is the lax enforcement of anti-hate speech policies across social media platforms, which have become increasingly lenient since the violent events of October 7. The report calls for stronger regulation and explicit policies to combat antisemitic discourse, urging platforms to take action against the denial of violent events and conspiratorial claims that harm communities.
In conclusion, CyberWell’s analysis highlights an urgent need for social media companies to bolster their measures against the spread of antisemitism and related conspiracy theories. With ongoing acts of violence and hatred echoing throughout society, the recommendations issued in the report call for immediate action to safeguard vulnerable communities and uphold a clear stance against hatred in all its forms.