New Media Literacy Strategies to Counter Antisemitism
This Report provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, findings, and recommendations. The initiative aims to address the rising tide of online antisemitism through the promotion of media literacy, multidisciplinary research, cross-sector cooperation, and tailored policy recommendations. Key messages include findings and analysis of the workshop, which was held in Rome on November 11, 2024 at Europe Experience – David Sassoli, the multimedia center promoted by the European Parliament and the European Commission. The event brought together 16 participants, including Members of the Italian Parliament, prominent journalists, media literacy experts, representatives of the Italian Jewish community, academics, and civil society leaders. Among them: Federico Di Bisceglie (Formiche) Micol Flammini (Il Foglio), Maurizio Molinari (La Repubblica), MP Federica Onori, Riccardo Pacifici (European Jewish Association), Gian Marco Passerini (IDMO), Andrea Romano (Università di Roma Tor Vergata), Sen. Filippo Sensi, Federica Urzo (Luiss Data Lab), Alessandro Zangrilli (Comitato Ventotene). The workshop revealed critical insights into the evolving nature of antisemitism and the challenges posed by disinformation in the digital age.
The main findings, particularly regarding the Italian context, include the dual nature of antisemitism as both a structured and pervasive phenomenon, amplified by disinformation linked to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and the 7 October terrorist attack. Workshop participants underscored the role of digital platforms in spreading antisemitism and emphasized the need for proactive strategies, such as pre-bunking, to combat the rapid spread of harmful narratives.
The report highlights critical challenges, including insufficient media literacy frameworks, the lack of consistent enforcement of digital policies, and the manipulation of online spaces through disinformation. It presents actionable recommendations spanning education, regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector cooperation, aiming to foster an inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary, holistic, and preventive approach to tackling online antisemitism and promoting societal cohesion.
The initiative is funded through the Coalition to Counter Online Antisemitism (CCOA), via the Google.org Foundation.
The full report is available here