On Friday, March 8, Jewish community leaders from Monmouth and Greater Middlesex counties will join Jewish Federations from the Heart of New Jersey and across North America for a crucial virtual briefing on the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, an important piece of legislation regarding TikTok, which has been a major driver of antisemitism.

This is set to take place amid a dramatic rise in antisemitism, documented both by the federal government, which showed FBI Hate Crime data reaching “historic levels” last year, and the ADL, which tracks a 336% rise in antisemitic incidents since the Hamas terror attacks on Israel of October 7, 2023.   

"We are particularly sickened and outraged by the impact that antisemitism is having on our children on college campuses and increasingly in primary and secondary education as well, said Julie Platt, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Chair. Leaders and supporters of Jewish Federations across North America, together, with many local community organizations and members of Congress, have spoken out against this development and others preceding it. (SEE RELATED STORIES)

"We also know that social media is a major driver of the rise in antisemitism and that TikTok is the worst offender by far," added Eric Fingerhut, JFNA President and CEO. "Recently, TikTok’s governmental affairs advisor in Israel resigned from the company in protest of the app's overt bias and sympathy for terror with regard to the events of October 7th."

Data developed by researchers tracking TikTok shows that in just one year, antisemitic comments on TikTok rose 912%. This rhetoric, flooding onto the phones of Americans, is a major driver of the rise in antisemitism. 

Now is the time for action. Now is the time for leadership.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, backed by the Jewish Federations of North America, aims to give an American president tools to put pressure on platforms like TikTok, allowing them to compel the sale of social media platforms currently owned by entities linked to America’s foreign adversaries. With the alarming surge of antisemitic content on platforms such as TikTok, the proposed legislation is intended to unite lawmakers and those they serve to address this pressing threat to our national security and our community.

During the OFF THE RECORD briefing, participants will hear from an insider with unique perspectives on the pervasive antisemitism permeating the platform.

Moreover, subject matter experts will present compelling data illustrating how TikTok serves as a breeding ground for antisemitic and anti-Israel propaganda, shaping the beliefs of future generations of Americans.

To get involved in advocacy efforts pushing back on antisemitism, contact us.