EJC President warns of dangerous influence of social media in youth radicalization at Paris Mayors’ Summit against Anti-Semitism

Paris, November 20, 2025–European Jewish Congress president Moshe Kantor launched a radical plan aimed at eradicating hate-filled anti-Semitism from social media forums targeting disaffected youth.

Addressing the Paris Mayors Summit against Anti-Semitism Thursday in the French capital, Kantor told the gathering that the new social media environment has become “a breeding ground for anti-Semitism fueled by conspiracy theories about global financial cabals and Jewish elites in control of the media.”

“Hatred has gone viral,” he added.

The event brought together dozens of city leaders from around the world, policy makers and community and civil society representatives, all united in their commitment to confront and prevent anti-Semitism in all its forms.

It comes against a backdrop of spiraling anti-Semitism on the streets of Europe, ignited by the October 7 Hamas massacre of more than 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of hundreds of hostages in brutal captivity in the tunnels of Gaza.

The summit was organized by the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement alongside the European Jewish Congress, CRIF (the representative umbrella organisation of French Jews), the city of Paris and the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ).

Artificial intelligence and deep fakes are turning the tools of the digital age into instruments of hate and discrimination, Kantor warned.

“Social media have made it possible for hatred to spread instantly, often escalating into physical violence and even pogroms against Jews,” he said.

“This must be combated by offering alternative and positive counter-narratives to disenfranchised youth, and it must include access to housing, education and jobs,” Kantor stressed.

The summit saw key contributions from mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo and president of CRIF Yonatan Arfi as well as mayors of major cities from around the world and experts on anti-Semitism.

Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo expressed strong solidarity with French Jews.

“We will continue to support our Jewish community. It is part of the soul of Paris. We must protect it and help build a Europe where all Jewish families can live safely and grow in equality and fairness.

“Defending the Jewish community means defending democracy and republican values. Our commitment reminds us that anti-Semitism always begins with Jews, but never ends with them. Fighting anti-Semitism is a universal struggle,” Arfi said.

A leadership award was also presented by the Summit to European Commission coordinator for ombaing anti-Semitism and fostering Jewish life Katharina von Schnurbein who gave a keynote address to the gathering.

Kantor told the mayors their contributions were critical in the fight against the new forms of anti-Semitism.

“The real battle against anti-Semitism is being waged not only at the national level but also on the streets and within municipalities,” he said. “We need to decentralize the fight and empower more mayors and local authorities to take concrete actions.”

Full statement here.