For too long, social media platforms have allowed antisemitism, misogyny and disinformation to flow freely on their networks. JWI called out these companies for their clear role in amplifying and enabling disinformation that threatens Jews, women, and others, and that are being unleashed now to depress votes.

This week, 445 rabbis appealed to Facebook to take responsibility for their role in fueling antisemitism, extremism, and conspiracy theories that have a direct impact on the safety of their congregants and communities. The rabbis’ initiative follows an outcry by close to 100 Jewish organizations and a campaign by Holocaust survivors, #NoDenyingIt, that has uploaded a new video appeal each day since July 29th, and counting. Despite findings about how Facebook’s algorithm actually grows denial online there has been no response from Facebook.

Allowed to run free, we have seen the harm done by misogynist campaigns that grow and become weaponized. The evidence is clear. Platforms like Facebook are not a mirror of society. They are powerful curation systems that thrive on and reward dangerous content - with no accountability. People click on the sensational. And platforms push this content into our newsfeeds, for the sake of advertising revenue driven by clicks.

How long can we stand by while they protect a business model that puts us in the crosshairs of hate?

It’s time for Facebook to stem hate and disinformation now. They have the ability, the choice is theirs. COO Sheryl Sandberg and others stand silently behind their calls for “free speech” as female candidates are skewered. Sandberg, who once exerted us to “ban bossy” has made it clear - she only wants to empower little girls to raise their hand and speak up when there’s no advertising profit at stake.

Remind Facebook that we are watching. Share this appeal far and wide.