Disinformation has fueled antisemitism for centuries, but the war in Gaza has exacerbated the spread of false information and conspiracy theories – particularly through social media platforms and online forums. This has contributed to the reinforcement of negative stereotypes and prejudices against Jewish people. The manipulation of information targeting Jewish individuals and organizations often intersects with other forms of hate speech and discrimination, amplifying its impact and fostering an environment conducive to antisemitic attitudes and actions. What can be done to address the challenge of disinformation?
Join the American Council on Germany and the German Consulate General New York on Monday, June 17, at 11 am ET for the next installment of the virtual series “Dealing with Disinformation.” Josephine Ballon, the CEO of HateAid (a non-profit organization advocating for human rights in the digital space), and Aaron Keyak, Deputy Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the U.S. Department of State, will discuss the intersection of disinformation and antisemitism – and measures that can be taken to address them.
Josephine Ballon has been the CEO of HateAid since September 2023. She joined the organization in November 2019 as the head of Legal. She is an advocate for improving the legal framework and access to justice for those affected by online violence, who are left largely unprotected against violations of their rights. Ms. Ballon has given expert testimony before the German Federal Parliament and European Parliament regarding law enforcement of online hate crimes, gender-based online violence, and platform regulation.
After studying law and completing her legal clerkship, Ms. Ballon was admitted as a lawyer in 2018, working in the field of consumer rights and legal tech.
Aaron Keyak currently serves as the Deputy Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism at the U.S. Department of State. In helping lead this office, he works to advance U.S. foreign policy to counter antisemitism throughout the world. Deputy Special Envoy Keyak is an experienced leader and interfaith coalition builder who has previously held senior roles advising members of Congress, the Obama Administration, and the Biden-Harris Administration transition team.
As an accomplished foreign policy hand and publicist, he has counseled various members of Congress and served as the top Middle East adviser and Communications Director for Representatives Jerry Nadler and Steve Rothman. Deputy Special Envoy Keyak serves as a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and was selected as a Truman National Security Project scholar. He earned his Bachelor’s degree with honors from Washington University in St. Louis.
