When millions of Americans tuned in to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, they were greeted with a 30-second advertisement aimed at condemning antisemitism. However, the ad's slogan, "stand up to Jewish hate," left some viewers puzzled and searching for clarity.
The confusion arose from the interpretation of what exactly "Jewish hate" entailed. Some individuals mistakenly believed that the ad was referring to hatred exhibited by Jewish people, rather than antisemitism, which is hatred of Jewish people. Avi Mayer, former editor of the Jerusalem Post, expressed his concern about this misunderstanding on social media, stating, "The ad was referring to antisemitism – that is, hatred of Jewish people – but some folks seem to think it meant hatred exhibited by Jewish people. Yikes."
Recognizing the confusion, pro-Israel influencer Hen Mazzig and former Anti-Defamation League executive Sharon Nazarian stepped forward to clarify the true intention behind the ad. Nazarian stressed the importance of standing up against anti-Jewish hate, while Mazzig emphasized that it was crucial for everyone to unite against all forms of hate, including anti-Jewish hate.
The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, a charity supported by Robert Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots, created the ad. The Super Bowl provided the largest platform for the slogan, #StandUpToJewishHate, which has also been featured in national television advertisements and on social media since last spring.
The ad featured Clarence B. Jones, a speechwriter for Martin Luther King Jr., envisioning what he would write for King today. Jones emphasized the significance of breaking the silence in the face of hate. The ad juxtaposed powerful scenes, including a burning cross, a Jewish man and Muslim woman painting over Islamophobic graffiti, a Black woman wearing a "Say Their Names" shirt, and a rally where demonstrators held signs reading "stand up to Jewish hate" and "stand up to all hate."
Despite its noble intentions, the ad unintentionally caught the attention of white supremacists and spread to a platform that promotes antisemitism. Some individuals used the ad's slogan to promote further hatred towards Jews. A Twitter post reading "#hitlerwasright," a popular antisemitic hashtag, was showcased during the Super Bowl, further exacerbating the issue.
Andrew Torba, the operator of the far-right social media platform Gab, commented, "100 million people just had this on their TV lol," while far-right influencer Jack Posobiec expressed his bewilderment and questioned the appearance of such a message during the Super Bowl.
It is disheartening to witness the exploitation of this ad's message by individuals promoting hate and antisemitism. However, it is crucial to recognize that the ad's purpose was to combat antisemitism, not perpetuate it. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism should be commended for its efforts to raise awareness and encourage unity against hatred.
As antisemitism continues to rise, especially on platforms like X, it is essential for society as a whole to actively stand against such hatred. While the ad's phrasing may have been subject to criticism, the message it aimed to convey remains necessary and important.
In conclusion, the confusion surrounding the Super Bowl ad's slogan, "stand up to Jewish hate," should not overshadow its primary objective of combating antisemitism. By standing together against all forms of hate, we have the power to create a more inclusive and tolerant society.