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Antisemitism was rising online. Then Elon Musk’s X supercharged it

Antisemitism was rising online. Then Elon Musk’s X supercharged it

The billionaire plays a uniquely potent role in the spate of hate flourishing across the internet, experts say.

Elizabeth Dwoskin, Taylor Lorenz, Naomi Nix and Joseph Menn

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In the weeks following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Twitter user @breakingbaht criticised leftists, academics and “minorities” for defending the militant group. But it wasn’t until the user spoke up on behalf of antisemites that he struck a viral chord with X-owner Elon Musk.

The user blamed Jewish communities for bringing antisemitism upon themselves by supporting immigration to the United States, welcoming “hordes of minorities” who don’t like Jews and promoting “hatred against whites”.

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Original URL: https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/antisemitism-was-rising-online-then-elon-musk-s-x-supercharged-it-20231120-p5elf0