Recently, I experienced my first death threats on the Meta-owned Instagram app. I’m no stranger to threats on X, where my team and I confront and report antisemitic accounts daily – sometimes multiple times a day. But on Instagram, this was new territory.
While attempting to confront an antisemitic account, I was met with a direct threat that read: “whatever jewdy don’t let me catch you lacking at evergreens I got a flint lock on me.” The response made it clear they would shoot me if I ever came across them in person.
I reported the post myself to Instagram and brought the screenshot and link to the post to FOA’s team, who contacted Meta directly. To this day, Meta has not suspended the account. The post itself was deleted – likely to avoid backlash – but the account remains active. Again and again, I’ve noticed the same pattern: Meta deletes specific antisemitic posts but allows the accounts that spread this hate to continue operating.
Hate Thrives on Engagement
The way social media platforms function highlights a much larger issue than one threat. Algorithms are designed to boost posts that generate the most engagement – often the most extreme, offensive, or inflammatory posts. This creates a dangerous cycle: antisemitic content is not only tolerated but amplified because it attracts attention.
It’s not just “online trolling.” It’s hate – violent, dangerous.
When you encounter hate like this, remember: don’t engage. Replying only fuels the fire. Instead, report it immediately – and send it to us. Together, we can make sure it doesn’t go unanswered.
FOA fights back daily, but we’re strongest when you stand with us. Hate thrives on silence. Your voice, your reports, and your support stop it from spreading further and helps us increase public pressure on platforms to act responsibly.
✅ Your reports matter. If you see antisemitic hate online, don’t scroll past it – report it. As a community, we can fight against platforms that profit from hate and protect our community from threats that can spill offline.