European Jewish Congress President Dr Moshe Kantor launched a radical plan aimed at eradicating hate-filled antisemitism from social media forums targeting disaffected youth.
Addressing the Paris Mayors Summit on Antisemitism today (Thursday) in the French capital, Kantor told the gathering that the new social media environment has become “a breeding ground for antisemitism fuelled by conspiracy theories about global financial cabals and Jewish elites in control of the media.”
“Hatred has gone viral,” he added.
The event brought together dozens of city leaders from around the world, policymakers, and community and civil society representatives, all united in their commitment to confront and prevent antisemitism in all its forms.
It comes against a backdrop of spiraling antisemitism on the streets of Europe, ignited by the 7 October Hamas massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds of hostages in brutal captivity in the tunnels of Gaza.
The Summit was organised by the Combat Antisemitism Movement alongside the European Jewish Congress, CRIF, the representative umbrella organisation of French Jews, the City of Paris, and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ).
Artificial intelligence and deepfakes are turning the tools of the digital age into instruments of hate and discrimination, Kantor warned.
“Social media has made it possible for hatred to spread instantly, often escalating into physical violence and even pogroms against Jews,” he said.
“This must be combatted by offering alternative and positive counter-narratives to disenfranchised youth, and it must include access to housing, education, and jobs,” Kantor stressed.
The Summit saw key contributions from the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, and the President of CRIF, Yonatan Arfi, as well as mayors of major cities from around the world and experts on antisemitism.
Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo expressed strong solidarity with French Jews.
“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.”
“Defending the Jewish community means defending democracy and republican values. Our commitment reminds us that antisemitism always begins with Jews, but never ends with them. Fighting antisemitism is a universal struggle,” Yonatan Arfi, President of CRIF, said.
A Leadership Award was also presented by the Summit to European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism and Fostering Jewish Life, Katharina von Schnurbein, who gave a keynote address to the gathering.
Kantor told the mayors that their contribution was critical in the fight against the 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 decentralise the fight and empower more mayors and local authorities to take concrete actions." ENDS