EJC, Paris 20.11.2025: The President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC), Dr. Moshe Kantor, presented an innovative plan aimed at eliminating intolerant anti-Semitism from social media that targets disillusioned young people.
Speaking at the Mayors’ Conference Against Antisemitism in Paris, Mr. Kantor told the audience that the new social media environment has become “a hotbed of anti-Semitism, fueled by conspiracy theories about global financial groups and Jewish elites who control the media.”
"Hate has now turned into a virus," he added.
The event brought together dozens of city leaders from around the world, policymakers, and community representatives, who pledged to confront and prevent antisemitism in all its forms.
The Conference was held against the backdrop of rampant anti-Semitism on the streets of Europe, sparked by the October 7 massacre by Hamas, where more than 1.200 Israelis were killed and hundreds of hostages were kidnapped and held under brutal conditions in the Gaza tunnels.
The Conference was organized by the Movement to Combat Anti-Semitism, in collaboration with the EJC, the CRIF (French Council for Jewish Studies), the City of Paris and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ).
Artificial intelligence and deepfakes are turning the tools of the digital age into instruments of hatred and discrimination, Kantor warned.
“Social media has made it possible for hatred to spread instantly, often escalating to physical violence and even pogroms against Jews,” he said.
“This must be addressed by offering alternative and positive counter-narratives to alienated young people, and this must include access to housing, education and employment,” Cantor stressed.
The Conference included important interventions by the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, the President of CRIF Jonathan Arfi, as well as mayors of major cities from around the world and experts on anti-Semitism.
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, expressed her strong solidarity with French Jews.
"We will continue to support our Jewish community. It is part of the soul of Paris. We must protect it and contribute to creating a Europe where all Jewish families can live safely and develop with equality and justice."
“Defending the Jewish community means defending democracy and democratic values. Our commitment reminds us that anti-Semitism always begins with Jews, but never ends with them. Fighting anti-Semitism is a universal struggle,” said CRIF President Yonatan Arfi.
The Leadership Award was presented by the Conference to the Coordinator of the European Commission for Combating Antisemitism and Promoting Jewish Life, Katharina von Schnurbein, who delivered a keynote address to the audience.
Cantor told the Mayors that their contribution is crucial in the fight against new forms of anti-Semitism.
“The real fight against anti-Semitism is being fought not only at the national level but also on the streets and within municipalities,” he said. “We need to decentralize the fight and empower more mayors and local authorities to take concrete actions.”
SOURCE: EJC, 20.11.2025