Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Surge Amidst French Riots, Study Finds
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Antisemitic conspiracy theories blaming Israel and Jewish people for the recent riots in France were widely spread on X, according to a new study by the Combat Against Antisemitism Movement. The research identified 1,384 posts linking the violence to Jewish entities, with some alleging Mossad involvement and others calling for violence against Jews. The study also noted that X Premium accounts were prominent in spreading these messages, which garnered millions of views. In addition to the online incitement, a synagogue in Paris was vandalized, prompting calls from the CAM CEO for authorities and social media platforms to act against hate speech and violence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A study found 1,384 posts on X linking French riots to Israel and Jewish people.
- Antisemitic theories blamed the Mossad and Jewish elites for the violence and destruction.
- A synagogue in Paris was vandalized during the weekend riots.
- X Premium accounts were identified as key spreaders of extremist content.
- The Combat Against Antisemitism Movement urged action against online incitement and violence.
A new study by the Combat Against Antisemitism (CAM) Movement reveals a significant surge in antisemitic conspiracy theories and incitement spread on X (formerly Twitter) during the recent riots in France. The research, conducted by CAM's ARC Research Center, analyzed posts between October 16 and 18, identifying 1,384 posts linking the violence and destruction to Israel, the Mossad, or Jewish people. These posts included claims that "the Mossad is burning France right now" and described the riots as "civil war planned by Jewish elites." Some accounts also connected French President Emmanuel Macron to the Rothschild family, while far-right activists with large followings propagated messages like "The Jews did this to France, don't let them do it to America." The study also noted that X Premium subscribers, identifiable by blue checkmarks, were among the most prolific spreaders of this extremist content, with posts reaching millions of views. CAM stated that this is the fourth time in less than three months they have identified a similar pattern of antisemitic conspiracy theories following major news events, citing previous instances related to the migrant crisis in Ceuta, the 9/11 anniversary, and a foiled plane hijacking attempt. In parallel with the online incitement, a synagogue in Paris's 19th arrondissement was vandalized over the weekend, with images of the damage circulating on social media. Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Against Antisemitism Movement, warned of the link between online hate speech and real-world violence, stating, "We are again witnessing the same distorted pattern where hatred of Jews and Israel becomes the automatic explanation for every national crisis. Worse, social networks incentivize hate spreaders instead of blocking them." Roytman urged French authorities and social media platforms to take decisive action against the violence and incitement, calling for strict enforcement against rioters and for platforms to halt the "lawlessness before lives are lost."
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