After Meta’s ban on using “Zionist” as a cover for anti-Semitic attacks, 35 Jewish and pro-Israel organizations have come together to urge other social media platforms to follow suit. The decision by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, was hailed as a step in closing an “antisemitism loophole” and protecting Jewish communities online.
The joint statement by the Adopt International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Coalition called on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn to identify and combat all forms of anti-Semitism. They emphasized the need for Jewish users to feel safe and protected from hate speech while using social media.
The Impact of Using the Term “Zionist”
Meta’s policy change addresses the misuse of the term “Zionist” to target Jews and Israelis under the guise of political criticism. The coalition highlighted that the majority of Jews worldwide identify as Zionist, supporting Jewish self-determination.
Through consultations with experts, Meta clarified that their policy targets the improper use of the term “Zionist” in promoting hate speech and does not protect its use in attacking the political movement it represents.