An Israeli nonprofit and Fiverr were set to hold an overnight development marathon on Thursday, bringing together about 40 students and young tech professionals to build AI-based tools aimed at detecting and curbing antisemitic hate in gaming and other digital spaces, as new data pointed to a sharp rise in online antisemitic rhetoric since the war with Iran began.
The initiative, led by ADIR in partnership with Colors, Fiverr’s philanthropic foundation, and NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism, was due to take place in a distributed format because of the security situation, with participants working through the night from protected rooms, or mamads (reinforced safe rooms), across Israel while connected over Zoom.
According to the organizers, 10 development teams of computer science students and young developers were expected to produce technological prototypes that could help companies and organizations better identify hate speech, incitement, and antisemitic abuse aimed at young users online.
The effort comes as concern grows over antisemitism in digital environments, particularly on platforms used by children and teenagers. Organizers said one example that underscored the urgency was a screenshot shared by the parents of a 12-year-old Israeli boy who they said was removed from a Roblox game because he was Jewish.
Blue Square Alliance data cited by the organizers said antisemitic discourse across social media and gaming platforms had risen by 264% since the start of the Iran conflict. The same data pointed to a 668% jump in dehumanizing language targeting Jews and Israelis and a 749% increase in conspiracy theories alleging Zionist control of governments, alongside renewed extremist content praising Nazism. Blue Square Alliance has recently published a report on rising antisemitic themes online tied to the war.
The teams are expected to focus on generative AI-based mechanisms that could be integrated into trust and safety systems used by global technology companies, according to the release. Participants who complete the program are also set to receive a certificate issued jointly by NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism and ADIR.
Throughout the marathon, participants are to be guided by mentors and judges from companies including Fiverr, Overwolf, Tech7, MoonActive, and Earth & Beyond Ventures, the organizers said.
Morielle Lotan, founder and CEO of ADIR, said the decision to move ahead despite the missile threat carried symbolic weight.
Moving ahead despite the missile threat
“The fact that our partners and participants have insisted not to cancel this effort because of the ongoing missile threat, but to develop technological solutions from inside protected rooms, is the strongest possible response to the massive wave of antisemitism we are facing,” Lotan said.
“While Israeli innovation is helping us prevail on the physical battlefield during Operation Roaring Lion, in the digital arena, we face a well-organized machine of incitement. ADIR is mobilizing the best young minds to build capabilities for the battle over public consciousness and help make the gaming environment safer for everyone.”
Sharon Steiner, Fiverr’s chief human resources officer, said the company saw the initiative as part of a broader effort to use technology for social impact.
“Especially during times like these, when Israeli society is dealing with a complex reality and intense international incitement, we must harness the most advanced technology available to create real change,” Steiner said.
“We are proud to support the young people who chose to take part in this initiative and to provide them with the professional tools and mentorship they need. Fiverr will continue to support social initiatives that drive meaningful impact both in routine times and during crises.”
ADIR was established after the October 7 massacre and says it works to develop talent and technological solutions to fight antisemitism, radicalization, and online hate. The organization says it was founded in memory of Adir Mesika, who was murdered at the Nova music festival while helping save others. The Jerusalem Post previously reported on ADIR’s student-focused efforts to combat antisemitism.