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Facebook announces it will remove Holocaust Denial from online platforms

In welcoming the social media company’s decision, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder declared, “By taking the critical step to remove Holocaust denial content, Facebook is showing that it recognizes Holocaust denial for what it truly is – a form of antisemitism and therefore hate speech.” He also called upon others to follow. Read More... 

WATCH | Facebook’s VP of Global Policy Monika Bickert joins WJC for a special edition of WebTalk  

During a special sit down with the World Jewish Congress on Facebook Live, Bickert explained that the company understands the dangers of Holocaust denial, and outlines future steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of harmful content. Read More... 

Newly published Swedish report highlights concerning levels of antisemitism online 

Thirty-five percent of social media posts in Sweden focusing on Jews feature antisemitic stereotypes or hostile statements about Jews, according to a study published by the Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI). Reacting to the report’s findings, Aron Verständig, Chairman of the Jewish Central Council in Stockholm, called for social media operators “to ensure this kind of dangerous conspiracy theories do not spread on their platform.” Read Now... 

LAJC and DAIA report that social media companies are getting better at taking down antisemitism in Spanish  | JTA

The Observatorio Web — a joint initiative between the Latin American Jewish Congress and Argentina’s DAIA and AMIA organizations — released a report finding that the quantity of antisemitic content on Google in connection with the term “Jew” has dropped by 50% over the past year.  Read More... 

September 2020: Antisemitism in review 

The World Jewish Congress has compiled a brief review of a number of concerning antisemitic incidents recorded over the course of the month of September. When viewed together, the facts paint a disturbing picture. Read More... 

The lesson from Halle: We must take action against antisemitism, racism, and fascism

European Union of Jewish Students President Bini Guttman reflects on the Yom Kippur attack that took place in the German city one year ago, and calls for society to wake up to the dangers of hate: "Racism kills. Antisemitism kills. Fascism kills."  Read More... 

Details emerge of Israel’s coronavirus cabinet plan of action | JPost

In an interview with Army Radio Thursday, Israel's coronavirus expert Dr. Ronni Gamzu points out that the number of new daily infections has fallen below 2,000 confirmed cases. Read More... 

Knesset formally approves UAE deal | AP

Thursday’s approval by the Knesset passed with an overwhelming majority. The deal reflects a shift in the Middle East as Arab countries are growing increasingly concerned about the Iranian regime’s regional aims. Read More... 

Rabbi Benny Lau issues guide to help religious Jews engage with their LGBTQ+ family members | JPost

The document is intended to provide guidance on relationships for families of members of the religious LGBTQ+ community which has been severely lacking from religious literature, Rabbi Lau explained. Read More... 

Fall Israel Fest: How to expand your network

Join the Start-Up Nation Mentorship this Saturday evening as a part of the Fall Israel Fest for a special web event on the Israeli business eco-system. Featuring a special live performance by 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai. Learn more and register here. 

WebTalk | Building Bridges Through Sports: Stories from a Professional Basketball Coach 

In the interview, former NBA coach David Blatt reflected on his experience as a coach in the NBA, as well as the responsibility of becoming a cultural ambassador for Israel and the Jewish people. Read More... 

Palestinian leadership needs to get its act together 

"World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder’s visit to Ramallah this week to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was a significant event that underscored the reality that there are many Jews and Israelis who genuinely wish to achieve peace with the Palestinians...The Palestinians should build on the Lauder visit and reconstruct their relations with Israel," writes Ray Hanania in Arab News.  Read More... 

Guatemalan government introduces legislation to prevent financing of Hezbollah | Algemeiner Journal

The proposed bill would impose tighter controls on banks and other financial institutions that are used by Hezbollah to process and move its funds. In January, in a move applauded by the US and Israel, Guatemala, along with Colombia and Honduras, announced it would designate Hezbollah as a terrorist group. Read More... 

IHRA adopts working definition of anti-Roma discrimination

The adoption was announced by IHRA chairwoman and German Ambassador Michaela Küchler on 8 October, who explained, “Our working definition will provide us with an important tool to address the rising tide of anti-Roma sentiment and safeguard the historical record of the crimes committed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.” Read More... 

14 October 1943 | 600 Jewish inmates revolt in Sobibór 

The revolt was led by two Jewish prisoners, one a Soviet officer, Lieutenant Alexander Pechersky, the other, a Polish Jew named Leon Feldhendler. Three hundred inmates succeeded in escaping from the death camp, of whom about 200 initially survived the intense manhunt in the surrounding area. Read More... 

15 October 1894 | Future Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Sharett born  

Sharett was one of the signatories to Israel’s Declaration of Independence and became the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the nascent country. When Ben-Gurion retired for the first time in 1953, Sharett was appointed Prime Minister. Read More... 

16 October 1886 | Israel’s First Prime Minister and “Father of the Nation” David Ben-Gurion born 

Originally known as David Gruen, Ben-Gurion was born to Victor Gruen, one of the leaders of the Hovevei Zion [Lovers of Zion] movement, which advocated for the Jewish return to the Land of Israel. He would go on to serve as Israel’s inaugural prime minister and become known as the “Father of the Nation.” Read More... 

WJC @ UNHRC: Combating conspiracy myths during the age of COVID-19

Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council, WJC urged the Council and governments to implement strategies to combat conspiracy myths and hate speech. Watch Now... 

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