#CancelHate: Survivors tackle Holocaust denial in new digital campaign
SURVIVORS TAKE ON HOLOCAUST DENIAL AND HATE IN NEW DIGITAL CAMPAIGN
Holocaust survivors launch #CancelHate campaign amid antisemitic incidents, protests
A powerful global digital campaign leading up to Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel has been launched. Featuring survivors from various backgrounds who share personal stories in a poignant effort to combat the rise of antisemitism (Jewish Racism), misinformation, and Holocaust denial on social media.
This campaign, which coincides with Jewish American Awareness Month in the U.S., aims to shed light on the dangerous consequences of spreading hateful and false narratives online. Holocaust survivor Abe Foxman emphasizes the importance of countering hateful rhetoric, stating, “The gas chambers in Auschwitz did not begin with bricks, they began with words. Words of hate matter.”
Another survivor, Herbert Rubinstein, expresses his deep sadness at the resurgence of hate and Holocaust denial in today’s society. He stresses the power of words in combating misinformation and upholding the truth of survivors’ experiences.
As younger generations show a lack of awareness and knowledge about the Holocaust, Claims Conference President Gideon Taylor underscores the urgency of addressing hate speech and denial on social media platforms. He warns that these harmful posts are not victimless, as they directly contradict the testimonies of survivors and undermine the suffering endured by Holocaust victims and their families.
Recent studies have revealed troubling statistics, with nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z individuals encountering Holocaust denial or distortion posts online. This lack of knowledge is evident in countries like Canada and France, where a significant portion of young adults are unsure about or unfamiliar with the Holocaust.
With the number of living survivors decreasing, there is a growing concern that historical distortion and misinformation found online may perpetuate false beliefs among younger generations. The Claims Conference, a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing compensation for survivors, continues its mission to educate the public, dispel myths, and preserve the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust.
Through powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts, the global campaign seeks to challenge the spread of antisemitism (Jewish Racism), hate speech, and Holocaust denial on social media, urging individuals to confront the dangerous consequences of misinformation and uphold the truth of history. In a world where words have the power to heal or harm, these survivors stand as living testaments to the reality of the Holocaust and the importance of combating hate in all its forms.
