by Elisa Garfagna
“We are the generation of American Jews, and we are revolutionizing communication!”
Mayim Bialik, actress and neuroscientist, known for her role in “The Big Bang Theory.”
Hila Klein, co-founder of the YouTube channel “h3h3Productions.”
Arielle Charnas, founder of “Something Navy,” a popular fashion brand.
Eitan Bernath, young chef and television personality.
Chaya Raichik, known especially on Instagram and TikTok.
These are just a few of the well-known faces in the social media scene and beyond in the USA.
Jewish influencers use their popularity and business to talk about Israel and their millennia-old Jewish identity, nuanced in a thousand secular and modern declinations. They use social media, communicate strategically, but they don’t speak only to an American audience: they speak to the world, and they know it well.
What are the keys to their communicative success?
Influencers have the ability to reach a wide audience through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. These channels allow them to quickly share information, opinions, and personal stories that influence how the public (including Europeans) perceives conflicts and issues related to Judaism and antisemitism.
Influencers bring the experiences lived by Jewish communities during times of war closer to the public. This type of approach creates empathy, which is the engine of knowledge. The audience often lacks direct knowledge of these experiences and reprocesses the information that arrives from social networks.
Influencers often discuss history, cultural and religious contexts—topics that, unfortunately, are far removed from everyday debate. During times of conflict, these influencers provide historical and cultural context, raising awareness on issues related to antisemitism, Jewish history, and Israeli politics.
Although influencers do not have a direct influence on national and international politics, they can help shape public opinion. In times of war, this can mean that greater pressure might be applied to governments to take certain positions or consider legislative proposals aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
In all this, Europe is watching, lacking Jewish and pro-Israel influencers who expose themselves and firmly impose their opinions in the social landscape.
The social media landscape has increasingly become a reference point for guiding consciences and movements.
Where are the European influencers who, alongside their American counterparts, fight for truth and justice for Israel?
Those who speak out against antisemitism in Europe undoubtedly alienate a segment of “consensus,” but I remind you that all cultural revolutions have started from intellectual salons that then guided the masses.
When will we transform European social media into salons where ideas of freedom and justice can be promulgated? Only then can we partially free ourselves from the yoke of antisemitic propaganda.