Jewish groups join campaign to battle online hatred
The initiative has gained the support of key community groups who fight against anti-Semitism
Key community bodies have joined a campaign to tackle online hatred, including anti-Semitism.
‘Reclaim the Internet’ is an initiative to fight against abuse on the web, launched by Labour MP Yvette Cooper during a conference on Monday.
It has gained the backing of the Community Security Trust, after 159 cases of anti-Semitic incidents on social media were reported to the them in the last year.
Speaking to Jewish News, CST said they were “very happy to lend our expertise at its opening panel event.”
The social media organisations are moving in the right direction, but overall the responses remain inconsistent and inadequate, especially regarding mass campaigns against individuals. CST reminds anyone encountering anti-Semitism online, to please report it.”
The initiative has also been backed by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Karen Pollock, Chief Executive, said it is “proud to support #reclaimtheinternet.”
All too often, social media is used to spread all forms of hate, including antisemitism – as we are all too familiar with. The internet can be a huge force for good, bringing people together across the world, and it is our duty to speak out and stamp out the type of vindictive behaviour that fosters intolerance in society. ”
Campaign Against Antisemitism commented: “It’s vital that Jewish people feel safe from anti-Semitism online. Victimising and bullying Jewish people either offline or on the Internet has a deeply negative effect on both the individual targeted and the wider community. Zero tolerance of anti-Semitism needs to be more than just a slogan, and must apply across the board in the form of action taken against abusers.
On behalf of everyone that wakes up to messages like this, this is why #ReclaimtheInternet is important pic.twitter.com/ZKFdA7epZ1
— Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) July 18, 2016
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
