Summer 2025: Political Violence Often Stained with Antisemitism
The summer of 2025 saw a troubling series of violent incidents across the United States where antisemitism appeared again and again—as a motive, a symbol, or in the conspiracy theories that followed. Even when Jews were not the direct targets, antisemitic narratives surfaced immediately, with conspiracy theories reframing real violence as “false flag” operations or […]
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 […]
Murder of Charlie Kirk Draws Intense Social Media Reaction
Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10th, there have been more than 26 million posts reacting to his death. Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of the youth-focused political organization Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in what authorities have described as a targeted attack. He was pronounced […]
Antisemitic Dog Whistles: How Hate Spreads Through Coded Language
Antisemitic dog whistles are coded signals—phrases, numbers, or symbols—that carry a hidden meaning. To most people, they look harmless, but to those inside extremist circles they are instantly recognizable. This coded language allows antisemitic ideas to spread in public spaces without being stated outright, making it harder for platforms and casual readers to spot what’s […]
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.
How Extremists Are Profiting Off Antisemitism Online
Since the start of the year, the BSA Command Center has been closely monitoring a troubling trend: hate not only spreading across the internet but becoming more profitable. Individuals and extremist groups are increasingly turning antisemitism into a business model, using tools like cryptocurrency, crowdfunding platforms, livestreaming, and merchandise sales to raise money and build […]
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 […]