INITIATIVES
01
OPEN LETTER TO TWITTER
Since its establishment, Twitter has become one of the world’s preeminent social media platforms.
To maximize the probability that the future is good, the world needs an online platform where everyone can participate. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as Jewish users are subject to unrelenting harassment on Twitter.
We, the undersigned 180 nonprofit and civil rights organizations, believe that exchanges of ideas on Twitter must not undermine the safety or well-being of users, especially those from vulnerable communities. Consistent with that principle, Twitter’s guidelines should afford protection to Jewish Twitter users from antisemitic content and harassment. This is particularly urgent given the record-breaking spike in antisemitic incidents over the last three years.
02
OPEN LETTER TO FACEBOOK
Nearly 40 countries have already endorsed or adopted the IHRA working definition in some official capacity, either through their membership in the IHRA or independently. In the United States, in addition to the adoption by the State Department, the recent Executive Order on Combatting Anti-Semitism instructs the Department of Education to consider the IHRA definition when evaluating Title VI Civil Rights Act complaints of discrimination.
The overwhelming majority of civil society organizations at the forefront of efforts to combat antisemitism endorse and encourage the use and adoption of the IHRA working definition. Today’s antisemitism undoubtedly includes the delegitimization of Israel’s right to exist. This bigotry is expressed in various ways, such as the rejection of Jewish self-determination, Holocaust revisionism and denial, and the application of double standards toward the Jewish state and people.
We urge Facebook to put words into action and power behind commitment — and fully adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.
03
ACADEMICS 4 IHRA
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism has been a strong tool to combat both new and old antisemitism, on a governmental level and online.
With multiple campaigns aiming to undermine the IHRA working definition, the IHRA coalition came together, and with a legal partner drafted a letter of support. Over 600 academics worldwide signed the letter. The launch of the letter was accompanied by a social media campaign, which was shared by academics from around the world.