Antisemitic Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor Underscores Urgent Need to Tackle Online Hate During Jewish American Heritage Month 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 21st, 2025  

Antisemitic Arson Attack on Pennsylvania Governor Underscores Urgent Need to Tackle Online Hate During Jewish American Heritage Month 

(Tel Aviv, Israel) – As Jewish American Heritage Month begins next week in May, CyberWell is raising urgent concerns about the rising tide of online antisemitism—now spilling into real-world violence. 

Earlier this month, an arsonist targeted the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, reportedly motivated by antisemitism and the perception that Jewish individuals are responsible for the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Authorities have labeled the attack as ideologically driven, highlighting the escalating danger of online radicalization fueled by unchecked hate and conspiracy theories on social media. 

“This attack on Governor Shapiro is part of a disturbing pattern we’re seeing globally—where online antisemitism is translating into real-world violence,” says Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, Founder and CEO of CyberWell. “We need platforms to take these trends seriously and close the gap between their policies and actual enforcement.” 

Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, antisemitic content online has surged, with CyberWell data showing: 

• An 86% spike in antisemitic posts within the first three weeks after the attack 

• A 36% sustained increase in antisemitic content over the following 11 months 

• Calls for violence against Jews more than doubling—from 5.1% to 13.3% of antisemitic posts 

These violent narratives often intensify following antisemitic incidents globally, including the recent attacks in Amsterdam, Australia, Canada, and the deadly New Year’s Day shooting in New Orleans. 

CyberWell’s latest research also identifies an alarming trend in:  

• Antisemitic conspiracy theories linked to current events like the release of JFK assassination files 

• Holocaust denial and distortion 

• Monetization of antisemitism on platforms through content and merchandise 

• Use of extremist symbols in online spaces 

With over half of Americans relying on social media for their news, platforms are playing a central role in shaping public perception—and potentially inciting violence. CyberWell is calling on tech companies to urgently enforce their existing hate speech policies, especially during Jewish American Heritage Month, a time meant to celebrate Jewish contributions to U.S. history—not witness threats to their safety. 

To access CyberWell’s full reports and data analysis, visit: https://cyberwell.org/reports 

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor or a CyberWell researcher, please contact:
[email protected] 

About CyberWell:
CyberWell is a tech-driven nonprofit focused on monitoring antisemitism online and promoting safer digital environments for Jews and all people. Using advanced AI tools, CyberWell tracks hate trends and partners with social media platforms to improve enforcement and transparency around harmful content.