Israeli Boy Fights Rising Antisemitism Through Social Media Advocacy

Ben Carasso, an 11-year-old Israeli boy, has emerged as an unexpected voice against rising antisemitism, using social media to reach hundreds of thousands of followers with messages of resilience and hope during a time when Jewish children increasingly find themselves targeted for their religion.

Carasso’s advocacy began shortly after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, when a close friend’s father who attended the Nova music festival went missing and was later confirmed killed. What started as a personal response to tragedy quickly evolved into a broader mission to represent Israeli children living through conflict.

“I’m speaking about it so the whole world understands what kind of childhood we have,” Carasso explained.

Born in Israel as a third-generation descendant of a Holocaust survivor, Carasso’s perspective is shaped by both historical trauma and contemporary experience. He has already lived through multiple conflicts where rocket attacks and air raid sirens are routine parts of daily life. His social media posts document these realities, from running to bomb shelters to supporting friends whose family members serve on the front lines.

Speaking in both English and Hebrew, Carasso has built a substantial following across multiple platforms. His content aims to fill what he sees as a critical gap in media coverage: the absence of children’s voices in discussions about the ongoing conflicts.

“The side of the children is not talked about,” he said. “There are children whose parents were murdered or injured. Their lives are not the same anymore.”

His increasing visibility has come with consequences. After being featured in an article about Israeli children, Carasso became the target of a wave of antisemitic abuse online. Hundreds of hateful comments appeared across social media platforms, many directed at him personally, including Holocaust imagery telling the 11-year-old to “go back to Auschwitz like his grandfather,” alongside other antisemitic tropes and dehumanizing language.

Despite this harassment, Carasso remains resolute: “My duty is to continue spreading the truth everywhere.”

The young advocate takes his platform responsibilities seriously, particularly in an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly. “In today’s world, there’s so much misleading information online,” he noted. “Just because you see a photo or a post doesn’t mean it’s true. We all have a responsibility, kids and adults, to check the facts before sharing anything.”

Recent months have seen Carasso traveling internationally to connect with other Jewish children affected by antisemitism. During a visit to Australia, he met with Summer Britvan, sister of 10-year-old Matilda Britvan, who was killed during the Chanukah massacre at Bondi Beach.

“I met with Summer, and she opened up so much about her sister, how much she misses her, and how strong she is,” Carasso recounted.

These conversations form part of his broader effort to give children a voice and pathway to healing—an approach that mental health experts consider valuable for young people processing trauma and discrimination.

Carasso’s advocacy has garnered recognition. He received the Resilience Award from the Jewish Agency for Israel and was selected as Israel’s youngest torchbearer at the country’s Independence Day ceremony, significant honors for someone his age.

His work comes amid a documented rise in antisemitic incidents globally, with increasing reports of Jewish children facing harassment in schools and communities. University campuses across the United States and elsewhere have seen protests and tensions that sometimes create hostile environments for Jewish students.

For children witnessing these developments, Carasso offers straightforward advice: “Be yourself. Be authentic. Believe in yourself when you do advocacy. I started at the age of eight. I believe others can do it even better.”

His message emphasizes that age shouldn’t be a barrier to speaking up. “If you believe in something, speak up and don’t be afraid,” he encourages other children facing similar challenges.

Through his continued advocacy, Carasso demonstrates that even the youngest voices can contribute meaningfully to combating hatred and building understanding across communities during times of conflict and division.