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.
After Hack, Elmo Becomes a Meme for Antisemitic Actors
What began as a disturbing antisemitic rant from Elmo’s hacked X account has quickly spiraled into other hateful content online that exploits and celebrates the character’s hijacked image. On Sunday night, the verified account of the beloved Sesame Street character was compromised, with the hacker posting a series of inflammatory tweets. These included references to […]
From Shylock to Today: How Fictional Jews Became Real Stereotypes
Antisemitism has existed for nearly a thousand years and literature has played a central role in reinforcing it. From the twelfth century onward, Jews were often portrayed as villains in popular stories—depicted as greedy, manipulative, or morally corrupt. These depictions shaped public opinion and helped entrench long-lasting stereotypes—and they continue to this day. Some of […]
When AI Echoes Hate: Grok Promotes Antisemitic Tropes
AI chatbot Grok, which is integrated into the social media platform X—became the center of controversy this week after making a series of antisemitic posts on Tuesday night. The posts ranged from promoting conspiracy theories about Jewish people to praising Adolf Hitler, even referring to itself as “MechaHitler.” The use of and reliance on AI […]
Israel-Iran Escalation Triggers Surge in Online Conspiracies and Antisemitic Rhetoric
On Thursday June 12th, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with over 400 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli cities. In the week following, the BSA Command Center has recorded an 165% increase in social media conversations related to antisemitism, Jewish culture, and Israel—the largest spike since Hamas’s October 7th […]
Robert Kraft introduces new BSA president, Adam Katz, on Inside Politics with Dana Bash
Robert Kraft and Adam Katz, the new President of Blue Square Alliance Against Hate (formerly the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism) discuss the urgent rise in antisemitism across the U.S. — and how the foundation is using mass media, data, and cross-community partnerships to build a national movement of allyship on CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana […]
Adam Katz talks with WBZ CBS News Boston
Blue Square Alliance Against Hate (formerly Foundation to Combat Antisemitism) President Adam Katz shares with WBZ Boston how the organization is using the power of media, partnerships, and community engagement to unite Americans against hate.
BSA’s Adam Katz on rise in antisemitic violence with Boston’s Channel 7 News
Blue Square Alliance Against Hate (formerly the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism) President Adam Katz joins Kimberly Bookman and WHDH Channel 7 News to discuss how our Command Center data powers our work to move people from from the sidelines to join the fight against hate.
When Remembrance Is Exploited: Antisemitic Narratives Spike Around Memorial Day
Memorial Day has become an opportunistic flashpoint for antisemitic conspiracy theories online. New data shows a disturbing surge in explicitly hateful content tied to the holiday.
False Flag Operation Claims and Antisemitic Rhetoric After the Jewish Museum Shooting in D.C.
Following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C., some social media users began claiming the attack was a false flag operation staged to generate sympathy for Jews and justify Israeli actions. In its aftermath, false flag conspiracy theories rooted in longstanding antisemitic tropes quickly gained traction across online platforms.