Since October 7, antisemitism on social media has skyrocketed by 400 percent, according to Andre Oboler, CEO of Australia’s Online Hate Prevention Institute. Speaking at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg on January 27-28, Oboler warned that online hate speech is fueling real-world violence—and that both governments and tech companies are failing to respond effectively.
“Antisemitism 2.0,” as he calls it, is the modern evolution of Jew-hatred, amplified by social media platforms that barely existed before 2008. “It’s a different world today,” he told The CJN, explaining that online antisemitism has become more widespread, more dangerous, and harder to combat than ever before.
While far-right platforms have seen the biggest spikes, Oboler stressed that online hate is growing across the digital landscape. Meanwhile, governments—including in Australia—are focusing on physical security for Jewish communities but neglecting the root problem: the normalization of antisemitism online.
In Australia, where approximately 117,000 Jews live, antisemitic incidents have become a near-daily occurrence. Swastikas and anti-Jewish graffiti have appeared on homes and businesses. A potential attack was thwarted in January when police discovered a trailer packed with explosives in Sydney.
While Oboler appreciates the increased security for Jewish institutions, he sees online hate as the foundation for these acts of violence. “Antisemitism online normalizes it,” he said. “People become conditioned to accept it.”
He noted that the problem extends beyond the Jewish community, affecting Muslims and other minority groups. Yet, even as social media platforms crack down on certain forms of hate speech, antisemitic content often goes unchecked—especially with companies relying on artificial intelligence to moderate posts. “Many times it decides it isn’t hate speech when it’s clearly antisemitic,” Oboler said.
Oboler criticized social media platforms for their inconsistent policies on misinformation and hate speech. He called Facebook’s ban on linking to Canadian news—enacted in response to Bill C-18, the Online News Act—“ridiculous.”
“There’s no block on sharing disinformation and hate, but there’s a ban on professional journalism that can correct disinformation and counter hate,” he said.
He also praised the proposed Online Harms Act, which aimed to hold digital platforms accountable for harmful content. However, with the Canadian Parliament prorogued, the bill has been shelved indefinitely. Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr expressed skepticism about its future. “Even if we do go back, I’m not sure the government would survive long enough for it to pass,” he said.
Oboler remains frustrated by the lack of attention given to the digital battleground of antisemitism. He argues that Jewish organizations often focus too much on mainstream media bias while ignoring social media’s influence—particularly on younger audiences. “The impact of social media on those people is not fully recognized by the community,” he said.
With online hate driving real-world threats, Oboler insists that governments, social media companies, and Jewish organizations must take this issue seriously. “Nothing is being done to address hate towards whole communities on social media,” he warned. Until meaningful action is taken, antisemitism 2.0 will continue to spread unchecked—both online and in the streets.