End
Disinformation

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Stop Disinformation Online

Get to know your own social media feed

Social media platforms deliver information based on what you stop to read, engage with, and share. Disinformation targets us based on these behaviours, and what the algorithms decide you should see.

Be critical of your information sources.

Think about whether or not the information you’re reading is timely and accurate. Is it from a credible source? Seek out reputable sources of information that offer points of view that differ from your own, and you’ll begin to see that information show up in your social media feeds and news feeds organically.

Think before you share.

If you think that a post seems too sensational or extreme to be true, it probably is. By not sharing, you’re stopping the flow of disinformation.

What you might hear. And why it’s a problem.

  • What you might hear: Ceasefire Now

    Why this is a problem: The phrase “Ceasefire Now” is a call for an immediate unconditional ceasefire. Calls for an unconditional ceasefire fail to include the basic elements of peace, such as releasing the over 100 innocent people, including children, that Hamas is holding hostage.

    An unconditional and immediate ceasefire may sound good on the surface, but it won’t lead to the just and lasting peace that Israelis and Palestinians deserve. In fact, Hamas has violated every ceasefire with Israel, and they have rejected ceasefire offers that include the release of the hostages.

    A just and lasting peace includes releasing the hostages.

  • What you might hear: Hamas are freedom fighters.

    Why this is a problem: Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by Canada, and many other countries, for over 20 years. (reinsert link). Hamas’ stated purpose is the destruction of Israel and the killing of Jews. They had fired tens of thousands of rockets at Israel even before the horrific attacks of October 7th, while using Gazan civilians as human shields.

    A just and lasting peace is only possible if Hamas is no longer able to harm Israelis and Palestinians.

  • What you might hear: Hamas is justified in their actions, as they are resisting occupation.

    Why this is a problem: Nothing justifies the purposeful targeting of innocent civilians, including the rape, kidnapping, and murder of children, the elderly, and entire families that took place on October 7th. Hamas came to power in 2007, two years after Israel and Israelis left Gaza. Since then, Hamas has used billions of dollars in humanitarian aid to build terrorist infrastructure and enrich its leaders, at great cost to Palestinians and Israelis.

    A just and lasting peace would see security and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

  • What you might hear: I’m not antisemitic, I’m just antizionist.

    Why this is a problem: Zionism is simply the right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their ancestral and historic homeland. Jewish history in the region dates back over 3,500 years with a continued presence since the second millennium Before Common Era (BCE). It is convenient for those who don’t want Israel to exist to use this argument to mask their antisemitism.

    A just and lasting peace includes recognizing Israel’s right to exist.

  • What you might hear: Israel is an apartheid state.

    Why this is a problem: Israel is, in fact, the only democracy in the Middle East, where all citizens have equal rights regardless of gender, religion, race or sexual orientation. This is true for Arab Israelis, who make up 21% of Israel’s population. Apartheid was the opposite: it was a racist, repressive system by which South Africa’s white minority enforced its domination, through a framework of racist legislation, over black and other non-white racial groups.

    Like every country, Israel faces challenges like bias and inequity in its institutions and society. However, using the false label of apartheid is one of the ways people attempt to delegitimize its existence and erode understanding between parties.

    A just and lasting peace includes a desire for dialogue and understanding to resolve the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict.