What’s new:

An alarming increase in antisemitic sentiment has been revealed through recent analysis of Google search data. Mordy Oberstein, an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), has published a study highlighting a significant rise in hostile searches regarding Jews since October 7th.

Why it matters:

This surge in antisemitic queries reflects a concerning trend of growing hostility and prejudice towards the Jewish community. These searches, fueled by recent global events, have the potential to influence public opinion and incite violence, underlining the importance of addressing and combating antisemitism both online and offline.

By the numbers:

• Phrases like “kill Jews” and “why are Jews bad” saw rises of 1,800% and 450%, respectively.
• The term “Hitler was right” experienced a 120% increase.
• The phrase “from the river to the sea,” associated with extremist rhetoric, spiked by a staggering 15,000% in the U.S. alone.

The bigger picture:

Oberstein’s findings, drawn from a wide array of international data, highlight an urgent need for awareness and preventative measures against antisemitism. Given that Google searches account for more than half of web traffic, the data offers a disturbing insight into the prevalence and reach of antisemitic ideas in the digital age.

Context:

The escalation in search frequency coincides with a period marked by intensified conflict between Israel and its adversaries, including an attack by Hamas on October 7. This backdrop underscores the often volatile connection between geopolitical events and the rise of hate speech and queries online.

On the ground:

Real-world repercussions are evident, such as the recent antisemitic graffiti at York University in Canada, which serves as a stark reminder of the importance of combating such discrimination in all forms.

The bottom line:

These troubling statistics point to the urgency of addressing antisemitism across social platforms and educating the public on the dangers of hate-driven rhetoric. As the cornerstone of digital inquiries, Google search data reveals a worrying snapshot of societal attitudes, necessitating a strong and united response to uphold values of tolerance and diversity.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.