European Jewish Congress President Dr. Moshe Kantor discussed how social media can radicalize youth and the need for alternative, positive counter-narratives in his address to the Paris Mayors Summit on Antisemitism on Thursday, according to an EJC press release.
Social media is now “a breeding ground for antisemitism fueled by conspiracy theories about global financial cabals and Jewish elites in control of the media,” Kantor said, adding, “Hatred has gone viral.”
Leaders from around the world, policymakers, and community and civil society representatives attended the Summit organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, the European Jewish Congress, CRIF, the representative umbrella organization of French Jews, the City of Paris, and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ).
New forms of antisemitism
The Summit was held as European antisemitism continues to rise, sparked by the October 7th massacre of more than 1200 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds of hostages.
Kantor brought up artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to warn about the new ways in which hate and discrimination take form online.
“Social media has made it possible for hatred to spread instantly, often escalating into physical violence and even pogroms against Jews,” he stated. “This must be combated by offering alternative and positive counter-narratives to disenfranchised youth, and it must include access to housing, education, and jobs.
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, spoke in support of the French Jewish community.
“We will continue to support our Jewish community. It is part of the soul of Paris. We must protect it and help build a Europe where all Jewish families can live safely and grow in equality and fairness.” Hidalgo said.
The summit also presented a Leadership Award to European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, Katharina von Schnurbein.
Kantor emphasized the importance of the mayors’ commitments to fighting new forms of antisemitism.
“The real battle against antisemitism is being waged not only at the national level but also on the streets and within municipalities,” he said. “We need to decentralize the fight and empower more mayors and local authorities to take concrete actions.”
