The media plays a critical role in determining what Americans pay attention to and how informed they are about the issues shaping our country and our world. The media not only has the ability but also a responsibility to raise awareness about antisemitism and hold leaders accountable. They have the power to inform and prevent.
Please note the big-picture suggestions offered below are not exhaustive. There is always more that can be done.
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:
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.
Ask questions | When covering an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident, ask:
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 2024 Report:
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 2024 Report, 95% 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 2024 Report, four in ten (40%) 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 [email protected].
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.