How Jewish Influencers Are Combatting Antisemitism Online

For decades, movie and television stars have held a unique monopoly on cultural and social influence. With their lavish lifestyles, exquisite fashion and high status, these celebrity icons persuade public perceptions, both on and off-screen.

While this undoubtedly remains true today, access to the internet and digital platforms have introduced us to the intricate tapestry of human identities. Social media apps — with the ability to quickly reach large audiences —magnify previously untold stories, sometimes highlighting their brilliance, other times exposing the frayed edges.

The result is that social media influencers now have the power to share narratives that resonate with unique universality. By casting a light on both individual struggles and shared human experiences, unsung individuals are able to move the needle in a way that only major stars once could. As a queer Israeli Jew with Iraqi, Tunisian, Amazigh and Mizrahi heritage, my own story offers a glimpse into this confluence of contemporary identities and online influence.

I first became aware of this dynamic while giving a talk at University College London (UCL) in October 2016. Despite my intersectional and progressive credentials, I found myself confronted by a raucous group of anti-Israel protestors who attempted to drown out my voice. As it turned out, they were not there to protest my words but rather my identity as a whole. Their anti-Israel slurs also opened my eyes to one particular issue they had with me: my Jewishness. 

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Traumatic events often push us toward introspection. For days, I questioned if my identity was a burden or a badge. This epiphany, however, was transformative. Surely, if I felt misunderstood because of who I am, I wasn’t alone. I wondered how many others like me were grappling with the weight of multiple identities while trying to find their voice amidst the cacophony. 

This realization led to the inception of the Tel Aviv Institute (TLVi), a nonprofit with a mission to harness the power of social media to combat antisemitism off and online. More than that, TLVi represents a counternarrative, an assertion that one’s complex identity can be a powerful tool, not a liability.

My own journey as a queer Mizrahi Jew with recent Middle Eastern and North African descent elucidates this broader truth. The world is not monochromatic. It’s a spectrum where identities overlap, diverge and sometimes collide. With its rich and diverse heritage, the Jewish community is a microcosm of this global mosaic. While Mizrahi Jews make up a significant portion of Jews worldwide, our stories, struggles and contributions are often overshadowed by polarized perceptions of us. 

British Jewish comedian David Baddiel once described Israelis as not “very Jewish anyway,” calling us “too macho, too ripped and aggressive.” Indeed, my grandparents don’t look or sound like Larry David or Sarah Silverman. In reality, they bear a closer physical resemblance to the Arabs who owned the chicken restaurant Larry called “an antisemitic shithole” in an episode of “Curb.” But we are no less Jewish.

Being both a Mizrahi Jew and part of the LGBTQ+ community has its unique set of challenges. Essentially, I came out twice — first as Mizrahi and then as queer. Yet, in the shared experiences of these dueling identities, I found strength and resilience. This is the beauty of the digital revolution. Influencers, with their wide-reaching platforms, have the power to shape narratives and shift discourse. 

To make a real difference though, it’s not enough to merely have a platform; one needs to utilize it effectively. And efficacy is determined not just by what is said but how it’s said. TLVi’s collaboration with Jewish social media influencers, from photographers to poets to chefs to fashion gurus to actors, proves that we can counter antisemitism, and foster understanding and dialogue. 

Through positive, data-driven messaging, we aim to bridge divides, dispel myths and illuminate the multifaceted reality of Jewish identity. Further, our research through AI-enabled algorithms demonstrates that leading with kindness, even when addressing contentious issues, opens doors to more fruitful conversations.

In retrospect, the hostile crowd at UCL in 2016 sparked a certain resolve in me to confront antisemitism and ignorance in an informed, strategic manner. Today, our collective of Jewish influencers — or as I call them, the “Jewish Avengers” — stand as sentinels against prejudice, each wielding their unique superpower to reshape perceptions. And more are joining our “army” every year.

In an age where narratives can be both weapons and shields, stories like mine and many others underscore the importance of understanding, empathy, and dialogue. Our identities, with all their complexities and intersections, are not just personal chronicles but chapters in the larger human saga. As we navigate this evolving digital landscape, it’s imperative to recognize that genuine stories have the power to illuminate, inspire, and, most importantly, unite.

Hen Mazzig is the author of “The Wrong Kind of Jew: A Mizrahi Manifesto” and the co-founder of TLVI.org.

This article is part of Variety’s Antisemitism and Hollywood package and was written before October.

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