In the midst of Hurricane Helene hitting North Carolina, Jewish government officials like Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg are facing a wave of antisemitic attacks on social media. This misinformation blitz is hindering their efforts to provide crucial aid to those affected by the disaster.
Despite FEMA’s creation of a rumor-refuting website and Rothenberg’s constant battle against false information on her social media feed, the antisemitic abuse continues. The White House has called for politicians to condemn these smears, emphasizing the urgency of delivering assistance to those in need.
Distrust and misinformation during crisis response
The spread of misinformation, fueled by antisemitism, is diverting attention from relief efforts. As misinformation circulates, politicians like Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer are targeted on social media, further complicating the situation.
Despite the challenges, Rothenberg remains committed to her job of helping those affected by the hurricane. The rise of antisemitism and conspiracy theories only serve to undermine these crucial efforts and disrupt the community’s recovery.