Explores key components of antisemitic conspiracy theory, provides details on Holocaust deniers
New York, NY, April 17, 2023 … In response to the proliferation of online conspiracy theories attempting to downplay or deny the Holocaust, the genocide of six million Jews during World War II, ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today published an online resource hub exploring this key facet of modern-day antisemitism.
The resource hub, from the ADL Center on Extremism, provides a first-of-its-kind collection of resources on Holocaust denial, including:
- A brief history of the Holocaust denial movement in the United States;
- A list identifying high-profile Holocaust deniers and organizations;
- Explaining common tropes pushing Holocaust denial;
- Information on how individuals, organizations and companies make money off Holocaust denial content;
- Debunking myths commonly spread by Holocaust deniers.
“Holocaust denial is a sick, pervasive conspiracy theory employed by antisemites to justify their hatred of Jews,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “This week, as we honor the lives of the six million Jews and others lost in the Holocaust, we must double down on efforts to teach the real history of the antisemitism – so that the Holocaust is not distorted by those seeking to once again foment hatred against the Jewish people.”
The resource hub was unveiled in advance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, which starts tonight at sundown and continues through Tuesday night.
Holocaust denial pervades the mix of disjointed, fantastical content that circulates and metastasizes in the largely online subcultures of conspiracy theorists, trolls, antisemites and even some extreme anti-Zionists, according to the ADL guide.
The resource also notes how Holocaust denial can frequently be found on mainstream platforms, even though it clearly violates many websites’ and social media platforms’ policies prohibiting hate speech.
“Young people are potentially being exposed to Holocaust denial before they’re ever taught about the true events of World War II or the antisemitism that fueled the Final Solution,” said Aryeh Tuchman, Director of the ADL Center on Extremism and one of the foremost experts on the phenomenon. “We cannot sit back and allow the conspiracy theorists to distort the Holocaust to promote their agenda. We hope this resource will provide factual information to blunt the impact of Holocaust deniers.”
The new resource hub is part of ADL’s #LearnToNeverForget advocacy campaign, which is promoting Holocaust education in all 50 states as a key pillar of its comprehensive approach to eliminate antisemitism in society.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.