Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said Monday social media algorithms are responsible for fueling antisemitism—especially among young people—and ultimately serving as an obstacle to peace.

 

“If you are getting your history degree from the TikTok machine, you are going to emerge with a deep, deep distaste, or worse, for Israel,” Fetterman said. “And that's heartbreaking, how cynical and effective it is where we are.”

 

Fetterman made his comments during an on-stage conversation about antisemitism in the United States at Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly on Tuesday with immediate past Chair Julie Platt. Former US Ambassador and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke on Sunday’s plenary and tomorrow, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) will take the stage at the final day of Federation’s General Assembly.

 

“What really matters to me is to see this through to where we can finally arrive at a possible path for peace,” Fetterman said. “That puts me in a unique circumstance politically, but that's a badge of honor to really represent the real truth and remind people of the history and the real circumstances.”

 

Jewish Federations were the only Jewish organization to support the TikTok bill when it was introduced in Congress in March 2024 because of its terrible impact on the rise in antisemitism. Federations has also created a Six Point Security Plan that includes holding social media, gaming, and other online platforms accountable for amplification of antisemitic hate, glorification of terrorism, extremism, disinformation, and incitement.

 

For photos from the General Assembly, click here.
Photo credit: Jewish Federations of North America

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