The recent conflict between
Israel and
Hamas has not only affected the geopolitical landscape but has also had ripple effects in the digital realm. A concerning trend has emerged on Chinese social media platforms, where antisemitic comments have seen a significant surge.
The term “anti-Jew” has seen a significant surge in searches and mentions on the Chinese platform WeChat since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the sentiment has even impacted perceptions of the 1993 film “Schindler’s List,” which portrays a German businessman’s efforts to protect his Jewish workers during the Holocaust. The movie has been inundated with negative feedback on streaming site Bilibili and film critique platform Douban. Some critics have expressed a change in their views on the film in light of recent events. “I used to like the movie, but now it looks more like a story about the farmer who saved the snake,” one Bilibili commenter said.
Furthermore, news stories related to the Middle East conflict have been inundated with comments that range from direct threats against Jews to negative sentiments directed at those defending Israel’s actions in the conflict. This wave of online hostility has also affected influencers on Chinese social media who identify as Jewish, as they have become targets for online trolls.
The Israeli Embassy in Beijing, which has been closely monitoring the situation, has also been affected by this trend. The backdrop of this digital animosity is the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. China, which has historically maintained a neutral stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, has recently been advocating for a ceasefire in the conflict.
The reasons behind this surge in antisemitic comments on Chinese social media are multifaceted. One potential factor could be China’s strengthening pro-Palestinian stance during the Israel-Hamas war, which might be influencing public opinion. This shift is notable, especially considering China’s historic goodwill towards Jews.
It’s not clear whether the rise in antisemitic comments are part of an orchestrated campaign by the deep state in China or surging organically. As per a report in the New York Times, prominent Chinese figures and media outlets have also made controversial statements. For instance, China Daily, a government-run newspaper, criticized the US for its support of Israel. Hu Xijin, a notable commentator, made a provocative remark about Israel on social media, the NYT report said.
A state broadcaster initiated a discussion suggesting that Jews control a significant portion of US wealth, which attracted numerous prejudiced comments. Shen Yi, a renowned professor, compared Israel’s actions to Nazi atrocities, the NYT report added.
According to the NYT report, experts believe that if the Chinese government viewed the antisemitic comments as problematic, they would have been censored. Some speculate that China might find the spread of these sentiments geopolitically advantageous as it seeks to strengthen ties with Arab nations. China has been actively trying to increase its influence in the Middle East, especially after the US reduced its military presence in the region. China played a role in mending ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and has proposed solutions for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
China’s stance on Israel is multifaceted. While it criticizes Israel in the media, it also looks to Israel as a model for state security. Chinese authorities have studied Israel’s strategies, especially in counter-terrorism. Interestingly, while antisemitic sentiments are on the rise, anti-Zionist views expressed by Muslims in China are deemed extremist.
Historically, Chinese perceptions of Jews were generally positive. However, due to rising nationalism, distrust of the West, economic challenges, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories online, these views have become increasingly negative, the NYT report said.
(With inputs from agencies)
‘Anti-Jew’: Antisemitic comments surge across Chinese social media – Times of India
The term “anti-Jew” has seen a significant surge in searches and mentions on the Chinese platform WeChat since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.
According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the sentiment has even impacted perceptions of the 1993 film “Schindler’s List,” which portrays a German businessman’s efforts to protect his Jewish workers during the Holocaust. The movie has been inundated with negative feedback on streaming site Bilibili and film critique platform Douban. Some critics have expressed a change in their views on the film in light of recent events. “I used to like the movie, but now it looks more like a story about the farmer who saved the snake,” one Bilibili commenter said.
Furthermore, news stories related to the Middle East conflict have been inundated with comments that range from direct threats against Jews to negative sentiments directed at those defending Israel’s actions in the conflict. This wave of online hostility has also affected influencers on Chinese social media who identify as Jewish, as they have become targets for online trolls.
The Israeli Embassy in Beijing, which has been closely monitoring the situation, has also been affected by this trend. The backdrop of this digital animosity is the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. China, which has historically maintained a neutral stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, has recently been advocating for a ceasefire in the conflict.
The reasons behind this surge in antisemitic comments on Chinese social media are multifaceted. One potential factor could be China’s strengthening pro-Palestinian stance during the Israel-Hamas war, which might be influencing public opinion. This shift is notable, especially considering China’s historic goodwill towards Jews.
It’s not clear whether the rise in antisemitic comments are part of an orchestrated campaign by the deep state in China or surging organically. As per a report in the New York Times, prominent Chinese figures and media outlets have also made controversial statements. For instance, China Daily, a government-run newspaper, criticized the US for its support of Israel. Hu Xijin, a notable commentator, made a provocative remark about Israel on social media, the NYT report said.
A state broadcaster initiated a discussion suggesting that Jews control a significant portion of US wealth, which attracted numerous prejudiced comments. Shen Yi, a renowned professor, compared Israel’s actions to Nazi atrocities, the NYT report added.
According to the NYT report, experts believe that if the Chinese government viewed the antisemitic comments as problematic, they would have been censored. Some speculate that China might find the spread of these sentiments geopolitically advantageous as it seeks to strengthen ties with Arab nations. China has been actively trying to increase its influence in the Middle East, especially after the US reduced its military presence in the region. China played a role in mending ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and has proposed solutions for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
China’s stance on Israel is multifaceted. While it criticizes Israel in the media, it also looks to Israel as a model for state security. Chinese authorities have studied Israel’s strategies, especially in counter-terrorism. Interestingly, while antisemitic sentiments are on the rise, anti-Zionist views expressed by Muslims in China are deemed extremist.
Historically, Chinese perceptions of Jews were generally positive. However, due to rising nationalism, distrust of the West, economic challenges, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories online, these views have become increasingly negative, the NYT report said.
(With inputs from agencies)