Musk addresses anti-semitism at European Jewish Association conference in Poland
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is set to address the issue of anti-Semitism online at an event hosted by the European Jewish Association in Poland. This comes just weeks after Musk sparked controversy by endorsing an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory, which he later apologized for.
The conference, attended by senior political figures from European countries, aims to discuss and find solutions to the increasing incidents of anti-Semitism affecting Europe.
Musk, who faced accusations of hate speech on the social media platform X following his takeover in October 2022, will participate in a panel discussion alongside right-wing political commentator Ben Shapiro. The symposium takes place in Krakow and precedes the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp on January 27, observed as Holocaust Memorial Day.
The European Jewish Association noted the alarming rise in anti-Semitism, particularly since the conflict in Gaza, where unprecedented attacks by Hamas militants resulted in casualties on both sides. The symposium aims to address and combat this troubling trend.
During a live discussion in September, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the European Jewish Association, invited Musk to visit Auschwitz, emphasizing its significance in raising Holocaust awareness and combating anti-Semitism. Musk, describing himself as “aspirationally Jewish,” agreed that such a visit could serve as an example to others.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s endorsement of an anti-Semitic post on X led to a wave of advertiser departures and accusations of promoting anti-Semitism by the White House. Musk apologized for the post, clarifying that it had been misinterpreted. Despite threats to sue the Anti-Defamation League over claims of rising problematic speech, Musk acknowledged the role he could play in combating anti-Semitism, a sentiment echoed by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog during Musk’s visit to the country.