Media Action Items

Know how to identify antisemitism, including contemporary terms and tropes | Antisemitism can be difficult to pinpoint because it is motivated by disparate ideologies. It is important for reporters, journalists, producers, and editors to remember that antisemitism can take many forms, not just swastikas sprayed outside a synagogue, or graves desecrated at a Jewish cemetery, for example. Holocaust denial and distortion are an expression of antisemitism as well as the trivialization of the Holocaust.(1) Casual references to Hitler and the Nazis, while not necessarily antisemitic, are almost always perceived by Jews as insensitive and inappropriate. Conspiracies of Jewish power and control continue to threaten the well-being of Jewish communities. AJC’s Translate Hate is a visual glossary which exposes antisemitic tropes, words, and symbols that often hide in plain sight. In print or online, Translate Hate can be used to explain why something is antisemitic. Refer to American Jewish Committee’s short, animated film called “What is antisemitism?” to understand how antisemitism has changed over time and what it looks like today. 

Recognize the difference between criticism of Israel and antisemitism | As antisemitism threatens the well-being of the Jewish community with renewed vigor after the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023 – and the subsequent war between Hamas and Israel – media must be keenly aware of how antisemitism can be cloaked under the guise of criticism of Israel. Numerous examples demonstrate how anti-Israel statements and actions can become antisemitic, with potentially perilous repercussions. Finally, it is crucial for those working in media to understand how some ideas or statements can be perceived as threatening to the Jewish community. For example: 

• “From the River to the Sea” is a catch-all phrase that symbolizes Palestinian control over the entirety of Israel’s borders, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. This saying is often interpreted as a call for the elimination of the State of Israel. 
• “Globalize the Intifada” is a phrase used by pro-Palestinian activists that calls for aggressive resistance against Israel and those who support Israel. The most prominent expressions of intifada have been through violent terrorism, so this phrase is often understood by those saying and hearing it as encouraging indiscriminate violence against Israelis, Jews, and institutions supporting Israel.
• Similarly, “Zionism is Racism” implies that self-determination is a right for all people, except Jews. There is nothing inherent to Zionism that contradicts support for Palestinian self-determination. According to AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, 80% of Jews say caring about Israel is an important part of how they think about their Jewish identities. Therefore, calling all Zionists racists or saying Zionists deserve to die is dangerous not only to Israelis but towards the vast majority of American Jews.
• Using data from problematic sources, such as the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by the terrorist organization Hamas. When the media relies on data and figures from Hamas and quotes them as fact, they can be spreading misinformation, or even psychological warfare, with dangerous ramifications. In general, it is critical for the media to be aware of how the majority in the Jewish community perceive tough questions about what is happening in Gaza. 
• Finally, holding Israel to a different standard. Expecting Israel to refrain from defending itself against terror attacks, particularly those that occurred on October 7, 2023 – the most deadly attack against Jews since the Holocaust –  is a double standard that would not be expected of any other democratic country.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, the authoritative definition of antisemitism, provides practical examples that provide context to determine whether something is antisemitic. Examples include discrimination and hatred of Jews, conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial and distortion, and antisemitism related to Israel. 

1.  The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) teaches millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred and the need to prevent genocide. The USHMM’s resources include an online Holocaust Encyclopedia, alongside educational videos and podcasts.

Ask questions | When covering an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident, ask: 

1. What is the narrative being conveyed? Are stereotypes or tropes being employed? 
2. Who is the authoritative voice being quoted? Is it a fringe or a mainstream perspective? Is data coming from an authoritative, trusted source?
3. Who can I contact to help understand the issues in greater depth, or for other questions about Judaism, the Jewish community, Israel, or other Jewish-related issues?
4. What is the headline being considered? Does it highlight the offensive nature of the incident? 
5. How is the Jewish community feeling after the incident is over? How did it impact them? Have they changed their behavior or religious practice as a result?

Appropriately relay the impact of antisemitism | AJC’s annual State of Antisemitism in America Report illustrates the magnitude and impact of the problem. For example, according to AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report:

• 63% of American Jews say the status of Jews in the U.S. is less secure compared to one year ago. In 2022, this number was 41%. In 2021, it was 31%.
• 25% of American Jews say they were the personal target of antisemitism in the past year.
• 46% of American Jews say they altered their behavior out of fear of antisemitism. In 2022, this number was 38%— a significant eight percentage point jump in one year.
• 78% of American Jews who heard something about the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel said the attacks made them feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. 

Report consistently | During the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Jews have been attacked on the street, synagogues have been vandalized, protesters have carried antisemitic signs, and hateful rhetoric has proliferated on social media. Yet, during the May 2021 conflict, for example, over half of all Americans were unaware of it. Additionally, the continuous attacks on Haredi Jews in New York have received little media attention from non-Jewish media outlets. When the media does not report on incidents like these, Jewish communities—and victims—may feel marginalized. 

Report accurately about Jews (and Israel) | Media coverage can shape public perceptions, not just of antisemitism, but of Jews and Judaism. Too often, media outlets air only images of “visibly Jewish” Orthodox Jews, and rarely show Jews of color. Accuracy in reporting can help raise awareness vital for prevention. 

Especially in times of conflict in the Middle East, it is imperative that reporting is accurate. There is a real danger in repeating untrue or biased reports without strong verification, especially when many viewers and readers may not see a correction or retraction. It is critical – life saving even – to know the facts. For example, after widespread reporting blamed Israeli forces for an explosion at Al-Shifa hospital (when in fact it was caused by a rocket misfired from Gaza by a terror organization), violent protests erupted across the globe, including in Tunisia where a synagogue was firebombed and completely destroyed.

Guard against visual displays of hate | When an antisemitic incident is being covered on television and other visual media outlets, media outlets should consider whether blurring hateful symbols and words can prevent the dissemination of hate, or whether sharing the images within an educational context can show the impact it has on the Jewish community. Context is critical. Antisemites often seek public attention, and the media can inadvertently feed that desire. At the same time, media outlets are responsible for educating their audiences.

Challenge antisemitism | Reporters and journalists should be trained in how to respond if a person being interviewed says something antisemitic or dog whistles to those who would call for Israel’s destruction. When this happens, the media has the power to hold offenders accountable and demand public apologies. When members of the media question someone on their use of charged language, they are sending a critical signal that turning a blind eye to hate is not part of objectivity. When there is time, it is best to ascertain intent and/or check with credible and authoritative sources in the Jewish community on whether they regard a statement as antisemitic. AJC’s Translate Hate glossary can be used to explain why something is antisemitic. On air or in-person, calling out tropes or stereotypes not only is the right thing to do, but it also lends credibility to the media outlet. 

Know who to call | While the Jewish community is diverse—politically, religiously, ethnically, and in every other way—there are sources who represent mainstream perspectives. A local AJC office, Jewish Federation, or the leaders of large local synagogues, are good places to start. Reporters and journalists should keep at the ready a list of unbiased resources on antisemitism and issues related to Israel to make sure they are correctly interpreting an incident or a statement and its antisemitic implications.

Acknowledge the societal impact | Hatred of Jews shares much in common with other forms of hate. The attacks that targeted Latino immigrants in El Paso, Texas and Black Americans in Buffalo, New York were driven by fears of “replacement” and “invasion,” conspiracies based in antisemitism. While antisemitism most intensely and directly impacts the American Jewish community, it also threatens the democracy, security, values, and rights of all Americans. According to AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, 92% of U.S. adults believe “antisemitism affects society as a whole; everyone is responsible for combating it.” When the media reports on antisemitism, it is not singling out a particular issue but raising awareness of a societal problem.

Antisemitism is not only an attack on Jews but an assault on the core values of any democratic and pluralistic society.

Recognize media’s role in shaping public understanding | Strive for reporting that accurately and intentionally broadens appreciation of American Jewish heritage, culture, and identity. According to AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2023 Report, over one in three (37%) U.S. adults do not know someone who is Jewish. As such, many of these Americans only know about Jews and Judaism through other mediums, such as the news. It is imperative that people’s perceptions of Jews are not only couched in stereotypes or reports of antisemitic incidents. Articles highlighting American Jews’ histories and experiences show that the Jewish American experience is much broader and more multifaceted than the hate levied against Jews. 

Journalists, reporters, producers, and editors should be trained to identify antisemitic terms and tropes, and be provided with a baseline understanding of Jews and Judaism if they will be working on these issues. AJC has helped train media corporations from the Kentucky Courier-Journal to the E.W. Scripps Media Company, on this topic. To schedule a training, contact antisemitism@ajc.org.

Avoid perpetuating stereotypes and misrepresentations | Aim for accurate, context-specific depictions. Too often, media outlets air only images of “visibly Jewish” Orthodox Jews. Jews are a people, not just adherents of a religion. They are not a race, as there are Jews from nearly every race. Some Jews are atheists, or not religious, or are culturally associated with Jewish traditions. Accuracy in reporting can help raise awareness vital for prevention. Refer to AJC’s short, animated film called “Who are Jews?” to learn more about Jewish history and identity.

Reduce bias | Antisemitism emerges from the far-left, the far-right, and religious extremists. The media should be aware of the sources of antisemitism and raise awareness among their audiences as well. Media outlets with an ideological bent should report on antisemitism within their own encampment, as well as on the opposite side.

Be prepared for patterns | There are days and events which are likely to trigger antisemitic incidents. Antisemitism spikes historically around three key areas: during elections, Jewish holidays, and when there is an uptick in violence in the Middle East. Since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, antisemitic incidents have risen roughly 400% in the U.S, and similar trends are found around the world.

Standardize company policies | Media outlets can consider implementing a comprehensive policy on how to address antisemitism, either for internal use or to share with concerned audiences. 

Adopt zero-tolerance terms of service and community standards | Media companies should adopt terms of service and community standards indicating that their online platforms will not permit antisemitic speech and will not facilitate access to services to users who perpetuate it. Relatedly, they must guarantee appropriate safeguards to allow initial judgments deeming content to be antisemitic (or not) to be appealed and reviewed. To effectively do this, the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, as the global, authoritative definition of antisemitism, should be incorporated within community standards.

Enforce proper disciplinary measures | Enforce proper disciplinary measures when the company’s terms of service and community standards are violated, including intimidation, harassment, threats, and unprotected hate speech. Companies need to be prepared to enforce these disciplinary measures without equivocation, including permanently banning repeat offenders.