Teenage Egocentrism and Antisemitism

I’m a teenager, yes, I am. I exist in this peculiar phase, straddling the chaotic remnants of childhood and the daunting beginnings of adulthood. I know I’m not unique, but let’s be real — this in-between stage can be pretty confusing. Thanks to the massive influence of social media, it’s easier than ever for us to latch onto any identity or trend that floats across our screens, whether it’s a TikTok dance or a hot take on an Instagram Reel. We’re the generation that chooses to be swept away by the digital tide of questionable content.

In the digital age, activism has found a new battleground: the internet. Social networks and other digital platforms have become powerful tools for those seeking to promote their causes, including pro-Hamas activists. This group uses cyberspace to spread its message, organize events and mobilize its supporters.

I have no idea how many times young folks share all over the place anti-Semitic messages towards the Jewish community. It’s mind-boggling how often young people, without much thought, end up sharing anti-Semitic content across platforms — even things as shocking as videos captioned with phrases like, “Babies are OCCUPIERS too. Free Palestine by any means necessary”.

Since the beginning of the year in the country, we have seen hundreds of Feminists and LGTB+ community members parading through the streets of Guatemala alongside Palestinian flags protesting for peace. Peace? Don’t you think we are falling into hypocrisy? They call themselves “highly activist” on social media, using handmade banners and protesting via Instagram, but don’t you think it’s funny that they could never do that IN Palestine?

I’m not denying their passion or the reach of their voices across screens; it’s clear that they’re heard. But isn’t it troubling that so many of those supporting these movements are people from newer generations — glued to TikTok, Instagram, or any other social platform — sharing, liking, and commenting on anti-Semitic posts without fully understanding what they’re endorsing?

As the president of the Jewish community of Guatemala, Rebeca de Sabbagh, said so well, “Most of their learning actually comes from TikTok University, where communism chooses their content. Maybe if they accepted the invitation that has been sent out to them to study in Yemen and Iran, they will learn to appreciate the freedoms they take for granted […] This explosive antisemitism, which has spread faster than Covid and has now reached pandemic levels, is more than a Jewish problem”.

It’s not my own problem, it’s not the problem of any Jew around the world. This is everyone’s problem.