Israeli Volunteers Combat Online Hate Speech and Fake News Ahead of Elections

Hadas Klein, a key witness in Israel's Netanyahu trial, has co-founded the "Defamation Command Center" (DCC) with Eyal Naveh to fight the rise of violent, false, and inciting discourse online as elections approach. Klein, who continues to receive police protection years after testifying in the case, described enduring severe online harassment, including threats and defamatory accusations, which escalated to physical confrontations. Last month, she filed a police complaint against Mordechai David for allegedly blocking and threatening her after a theater performance, leading to a restraining order against him.

The DCC operates with over 300 volunteers who monitor social media around the clock to identify defamatory and inciting content. They have filed dozens of lawsuits on behalf of public figures such as journalist Lucy Aharish, Ronen Bergman, and former police commander Ami Ashad. Eyal Naveh explained the typical spread of harmful messages, starting from a core message to thousands of users, resulting in increasingly aggressive language. Legal teams of volunteer lawyers review the findings weekly to decide which cases to pursue, sending warning letters and filing lawsuits when necessary.

Attorney Amit Mor, who legally supports the DCC, emphasized the mission to distinguish between free speech and harmful slander, noting a recent decrease in extreme insults but acknowledging the difficulty in combating the "poison machine." The DCC demands removal of defamatory posts, financial compensation, and public apologies from offenders. Despite technological tools and intelligence gathering to identify fake accounts, the group faces challenges from millions of bots spreading falsehoods. Naveh called for legislative action to address this issue.

Klein described the personal toll of the online attacks, including false allegations of affairs and insults targeting her family, motivating her commitment to the cause. She views the DCC's work as vital to protecting Israeli democracy and public security by curbing online incitement and misinformation.

Summary: Hadas Klein and Eyal Naveh established the Defamation Command Center to combat escalating online hate speech and fake news in Israel ahead of elections. The volunteer group monitors social media, files lawsuits against defamers, and seeks to reduce incitement, despite challenges from fake accounts and bots. Klein’s personal experience with harassment underscores the group's mission to protect individuals and democracy.

Points: - Hadas Klein and Eyal Naveh founded the Defamation Command Center to fight online hate and fake news. - The center uses 300+ volunteers to monitor social media and files lawsuits against defamers. - Klein continues to receive police protection due to threats linked to her Netanyahu trial testimony. - The DCC has aided public figures like Lucy Aharish and Ronen Bergman in legal actions. - Legal teams review weekly reports to pursue cases, demanding post removals and apologies. - The group faces challenges combating millions of bots spreading falsehoods and calls for legislation.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true entities: {"people": ["Hadas Klein", "Eyal Naveh", "Mordechai David", "Lucy Aharish", "Ronen Bergman", "Ami Ashad", "Amit Mor"], "organizations": ["Defamation Command Center", "Israeli Police"], "places": ["Israel"]}