Against the background of the spread of the corona and in light of the proliferation of anti-Semitism on the Internet, 100 international bodies have joined forces to call on social network operators to adopt the definition of the fight against anti-Semitism on the Internet.
Calls on social networks to act to stop anti-Semitism
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The Cantor Center at Tel Aviv University has joined 100 organizations around the world, Jewish and non-Jewish, in calling on social media: Adopt the definition of the fight against manifestations of anti-Semitism on the Internet, formulated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Organization (IHRA).
Despite efforts already made on the subject, social networks have so far not officially adopted a clear policy regarding racism and anti-Semitism, and so in many cases antisemitic posts take the stage in the name of freedom of expression and opinion.
To date, nearly 40 countries and a long line of organizations have adopted the IHRA's job definition, according to which "anti-Semitism is a particular conception of Jews, which can be expressed in hatred of Jews, physical or rhetorical expressions directed at Jews and non-Jews and / or their property. To the institutions of the Jewish community, and to religious institutions. "
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Prof. Dina Porat, head of the Cantor Center at Tel Aviv University, who was among the drafters of the international definition, emphasizes that in recent months - and especially in light of the outbreak of the Corona virus - there has been a sharp rise in blatant anti-Semitism on social media around the world.
According to her, the incitement on social networks comes mainly from extremist organizations that turn freedom of expression into freedom of movement. "We also identify phenomena of anti-Semitism among young ages who post abusive posts on social networks and spread them among many audiences all over the world," says Prof. Porat. "Unfortunately, social networks, which do not block or deliver offensive posts, provide a platform - even if that is not their intention - for such dangerous statements."
Prof. Porat adds: "Today we launched a joint, sharp and clear international call to social networks in general and Facebook in particular to work to stop anti-Semitism on the Internet. There is no doubt that the Corona crisis has exacerbated the phenomenon. "Anti-Semitism is unprecedented in scope, especially because it has spread easily through social media. The posts in them indicate a high level of anxiety and fear among many populations as a result of the Corona plague."