When History Gets Flattened: The Social Media Life of Khazar Theory
Earlier this year, a cluster of high-profile influencers began using terms such as “Khazarian mafia” and referring to all Jews as “Khazars.” This language that quickly spread across X draws on a fringe conspiracy theory rooted in a much older historical debate about the origins of Ashkenazi Jews. The Khazar hypothesis of Ashkenazi ancestry is the historically debated idea that a substantial portion of Ashkenazi Jews descend not from ancient Israelites of the Levant, but from the […]
How Tucker Carlson’s Chabad Conspiracy Theory Spread to Millions Online
On the evening of March 5, 2026 — one week into Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran — Tucker Carlson opened his show not with analysis of ballistic missile trajectories or nuclear enrichment timelines, but with a theory about a Hasidic Jewish outreach organization. “There are key players involved in this war,” Carlson told […]
Young Americans See More Antisemitism—But Are Less Likely to Call It a Problem
We see a clear pattern in our national survey of 7,028 U.S. adults, fielded August–September 2025: antisemitic beliefs are higher among Gen Z and Millennials than among older generations. For example, adults age 45 and younger are 6 percentage points more likely than older Americans to answer “mostly true” to the statement “Jewish people cause problems in […]
“Welfare-Addicted Jews”: Inflammatory YouTube Video Triggers Antisemitic Reactions
Last week, Tyler Oliveira, a YouTuber with almost 9 million subscribers, posted a video about Kiryas Joel, a mostly Satmar Hasidic town in Orange County, New York. The video has reached over 2.9 million views on YouTube, at the time of writing. It triggered online reactions that went beyond political criticism, into open antisemitism. Oliveira’s not-so-subtle framing pushes the idea that Jews in […]
“Synagogue of Satan” Antisemitic Rhetoric: How Extremist Language Online Fueled a U.S. Synagogue Arson
Earlier this week, Mississippi’s largest synagogue was badly damaged in an intentional arson attack. The suspect, identified as Stephen Spencer Pittman, confessed and told investigators he targeted the synagogue because it has Jewish ties. In online posts reviewed by authorities, and during investigation, he referred to the building as “synagogue of Satan,” language tied to well-known antisemitic conspiracy theories. The phrase is often drawn from Revelation 2:9, which reads, “those who say […]
Antisemitism at Alarming Levels Across U.S., but Positive Signs Emerging
A new survey from Blue Square Alliance Against Hate reveals Americans’ views of Jewish hate are solidifying, with a durable minority expressing antisemitic attitudes.
BSA Research Reveals Antisemitism At Alarming Levels Across U.S., But Positive Signs Emerging
Antisemitism in the US has risen to alarming levels, with fewer Americans recognizing its seriousness and 40% fewer Allies than two years ago, according to the Blue Square Alliance’s biannual Stand Up to Jewish Hate: The US Antisemitism Landscape Survey. At the same time, skepticism of the problem, a sense of powerlessness, and anti-Jewish tropes have all grown.
How to Recognize AI-Generated Videos: Simple Clues to Spot Synthetic Media
As AI video tools such as Sora become more advanced, distinguishing real footage from synthetic media is getting harder. But there are still ways to tell when something might not be what it seems. Here are some simple cues and credibility checks anyone can use without specialized technology to spot AI-generated videos. 1. Watch for […]
Tucker Carlson’s Antisemitic Conspiracies Spark Online Reactions
Conservative podcaster and media personality Tucker Carlson made several comments this week that are being viewed by many as antisemitic. His first comment came at the memorial for Charlie Kirk, a right-wing personality who was assassinated on September 10th. Carlson compared Kirk’s assassination to the account of Jesus’s crucifixion. While he didn’t explicitly refer to […]
Nazi Marching Song Turned Meme: How Social Media is Using a Controversial Tune
A German marching song once sung by Nazi troops during World War II has found a second life online. Erika, composed in 1938 by Herms Niel, was a staple of Nazi military bands, and though its lyrics are not political, its history ties it inextricably to Germany’s Nazi past. Today, the tune has gone viral […]
Religious and Racial Prejudice: How Antisemitism’s Twin Engines Run Online
Antisemitism has historically adapted to the language and prejudices of its era. Today, two major strains, often intertwined, have found new energy online: Since October 7, 2023, both strands have surged on social media: more than 1.8 million mentions have invoked genetics in the context of Israel or Judaism, a 188% increase compared to the […]
What the Phrase “It Was Promised to Them 3,000 Years Ago” Means and How It Is Used Online
The phrase “It was promised to them 3,000 years ago” mocks Jewish ties to Israel. Learn its history, meaning, and why it is being used more online.