Anti-Semitism, also known as history’s oldest hate, is beginning to see a resurgence online. With the increasing popularity of social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, we are witnessing a sharp rise in the dissemination of conspiracy theories, misinformation, and outright falsehoods.
Leaders in the Jewish community say it’s worse than ever, and it’s translating into real-world threats. After the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reported a 50-fold increase in antisemitic comments on Canadian YouTube channels.
The Antisemitism Research Center reported that antisemitic incidents worldwide doubled since 2023. Jews make up less than one per cent of the world’s population, but are experiencing one of the highest rates of hate crimes.
“There’s more people online who hate Jews on any given day than there are Jews,” Lavi said.
In Canada, synagogues and Jewish schools have been vandalized, set on fire and shot at. A 2024 survey of Jewish doctors in Ontario found one-third were considering leaving the country due to rising antisemitism.
Dean Lavi, executive director of the London Jewish Community Centre, said there’s been a massive uptick in the amount of violence aimed at Jews, and it’s a worsening problem.
“We are reaching an age where we’ve normalized violence against people who don’t hold your opinion,” Lavi said.
Students at Fanshawe College also described seeing conspiracies and stereotypes about Jews on various platforms. Two students have even seen the conspiracy theory that Jews were responsible for the death of Charlie Kirk.
Research has indicated that social media algorithms have played a role in the spread of online hate. When individuals engage with antisemitic content, they will be recommended similar videos.
A 2025 review of 129 studies by researcher David Hartmann and colleagues found strong evidence that echo chambers reinforce existing beliefs rather than exposing users to different perspectives.
Education has been highlighted as one solution. A 2022 review by the Reuters Institute found people who received digital literacy training were less likely to believe or share misinformation.
Jewish organizations in Canada, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, are also producing resources for parents, teachers and students to help identify and report antisemitism online.
Education helps to reduce online hate, but it’s just one part of the solution. The role social media companies play is tremendous. Their ability to prevent harmful content from spreading may be even more critical.
There is evidence that platforms can reduce the spread of harmful content. A 2023 study from New York University’s Stern Center found that limiting the reach of users who repeatedly shared hate speech reduced its circulation without restricting legitimate debate.
Experts say the digital dimension of antisemitism shows how quickly hate can spread but also highlights the importance of education, solidarity and stronger safeguards.
The digital dimension of antisemitism is spreading faster now than ever. The world has witnessed a surge in hate, amplified by modern technology. The generations of the digital era hold the power to change the world with a click of a button, and how they choose to use it will determine the future.
