Social Media and Antisemitism: Recognising, Responding and Building Resilience
Social media can be a great place to connect and learn, but it can also house distressing content and be used to target individuals or discriminate against entire communities. From stereotypes disguised as humour to coordinated harassment, it’s important to learn how to recognise and respond to online antisemitism. Knowing when and how to engage, and when to step back, can be key to how to protect your wellbeing along the way.
Understanding Antisemitism Online
Many Jewish people use social media to find connection and community. But public-facing platforms and posts (outside of trusted groups and forums) can quickly become spaces where hate is amplified. From overt abuse to subtle, coded messaging, online antisemitism can take many forms. It can surface in comments, forums, direct messages or even in the newsfeed.
These are some of the more common examples:
- Stereotypes and Conspiracy Theories: Posts that push tropes about “Jewish control” of the media, finance or politics. Holocaust denial, distortion, and threatening language are also used to create fear and distrust.
- Targeted Harassment: Hate symbols, slurs or threats sent via messages or posted in comment sections. In some cases, this escalates to doxing, where personal information is shared to incite harm.
- Dog Whistles: Coded terms or phrases that may look innocent but carry antisemitic meaning. This includes rhetoric that targets Israel or Zionism in a way that conflates it with Jewish identity to mask underlying prejudice.
- Antisemitic Slogans: Phrases like “from the river to the sea” or calls for “intifada” are often used to threaten or exclude Jewish communities under the guise of political discourse.
- Internet Overload: A constant stream of distressing stories and hate-filled content can leave people feeling emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed.
Being Misquoted or - Taken Out of Context: Once shared online, words, images or videos can be edited or misused to distort your views or spread misinformation.
- Social Media Addiction: The urge to stay informed or defend your identity can become consuming, and addictive. This kind of hyper-engagement can go beyond disrupted routines, and heightened stress, it can be unhealthy and dangerous.
Recognising these behaviours is the first step in protecting yourself and supporting accountability online.
The Impact of Antisemitism Online
The effects of antisemitism don’t end when you close your browser. For those targeted, or even just exposed to a constant stream of hateful content, the emotional impact can be heavy. It can lead to anxiety, frustration, anger or a deep sense of helplessness and isolation.
When hateful posts go viral, they don’t just spread fast; they normalise antisemitism. And the personal toll can ripple through every part of life, affecting studies, work, relationships and mental health.
Coping with Anxiety or Anger After Seeing Hateful Posts
Encountering antisemitism online can trigger strong emotions. That reaction is valid; so it’s important to take care of your mental health and your wellbeing when it happens.
- Take Breaks: Step away from platforms that are causing distress. Set time limits or plan time offline. Try to shift your focus to activities that bring calm; whether it’s walking, reading, or spending time with people who support you.
- Talk It Out: Share how you’re feeling with people you trust. That might be family, friends, a therapist, or a supportive community. Talking it through can help ease the emotional weight.
- Practice Grounding Techniques: Breathing exercises, journaling, mindfulness or even music and movies can help re-centre you. When emotions are running high, small acts of care can make a big difference.
- Seek Professional Support: If these feelings linger or start to affect your daily life, reach out for help. Jewish House and other support services are here to connect you with the care you need.
Protecting Yourself Against Cyberbullying and Doxing
Some antisemitic individuals or groups will use cyberbullying and doxing to intimidate Jewish people online. These tactics are designed to cause fear, but there are ways to reduce your risk and regain a sense of control.
- Strengthen Privacy Settings: Review your social media privacy settings to ensure your accounts are secure, private, and visible only to people you trust. Tools like JustDelete.Me can help you clean up what’s publicly available.
- Protect Personal Information: Avoid posting things like your address, phone number or identifying details (think about the backgrounds of your images) especially in public forums. These can be used to target you.
- Block and Report Harassers: If you’re being harassed, use platform tools to block and report the abusive behaviour. It’s not your job to argue with attackers; your safety comes first.
- Set Boundaries: You don’t have to stay in conversations that make you feel unsafe. Walk away from arguments that escalate. Protecting your peace is a valid response.
- Report Incidents and Know Your Rights: Cyberbullying, harassment and doxing are serious offences. If you’re targeted, report the incident to the police, the eSafety Commissioner or other authorities. Your safety online, is your right.
Engaging (or Disengaging) in Discussions About Antisemitism
Talking about antisemitism online can be powerful, but it can also open the door to confrontation. Knowing when and how to take part can help you protect your energy while still using your voice.
- Choose Respectful Spaces: Share your views in forums where people are open to listening and learning. Seek out communities that prioritise respectful, meaningful dialogue.
- Set Boundaries: If a conversation turns hostile or draining, you’re allowed to step away. You don’t owe anyone your time, especially if they’re not engaging in good faith.
- Share Educational Resources: Sometimes, posting a resource or article is more effective than debating. Facts and personal stories can shift perspectives in ways arguments can’t.
Use your voice when it feels right, and be conscious about what you’re adding to the conversation. Most importantly, don’t feel guilty for stepping back when it doesn’t feel right.
Finding Safe Online Spaces and Supportive Communities
In the face of online hate, connection is everything. Being part of a supportive space can make a real difference. It reminds you that you’re not alone, and your identity is something to be proud of, not hidden.
- Jewish Advocacy Groups: Organisations like the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies offer education programs, forums and community events.
- Moderated Online Groups: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram host Jewish-led groups that are moderated to encourage safety and respect.
- Local Synagogues and Cultural Organisations: Reach out to your local Jewish community for suggestions on where to find connection and support.
Safety is about being understood and surrounded by community, both online and off.
Building Safer Digital Spaces for All
Experiencing antisemitism online can be confronting and disheartening. But you are not alone.
By setting boundaries, speaking up when it’s safe to do so, and connecting with communities that care, you can protect your wellbeing, and help push back against hate.
If you’ve been targeted or witnessed online antisemitism, please report it to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the eSafety Commissioner, CSG (Community Security Group), or the police.
These organisations are here to support you, take action and help ensure safety and accountability online.