TikTok’s latest viral anti‑Israel meme: ‘Just do it’

The phrase ‘Iran, if you’re listening, just do it,’ emerged as a viral anti-Israel meme on TikTok following Israel’s recent strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and underscores the ongoing challenges social media platforms face in addressing hate speech.

Despite TikTok reportedly taking steps to remove offending videos, many remain online, highlighting how antisemitic rhetoric continues to spread rapidly and have real-world impacts.

The meme surged globally amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran last week. Videos featuring the inflammatory phrase, explicitly or implicitly advocating the destruction of Israel, quickly attracted millions of views and interactions, including contributions from Australian users. Many posts contained overtly antisemitic references to Hitler, Nazi ideology, and expressed desires for Israel to ‘disappear from the map.’

TikTok’s response, which involved removing some offending content hours after media inquiries, illustrates the reactive nature of content moderation. A spokesperson told the Brisbane Courier Mail that the platform strongly opposes ‘violent behaviours’ and confirmed that trust and safety teams were actively working to identify and remove harmful material.

The period following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel has witnessed a significant global rise in online antisemitism across multiple platforms. A recent study examining Arabic-language content noted a dramatic uptick in antisemitic posts on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), marked by increased violent rhetoric, Holocaust denial, and the promotion of hateful stereotypes.

Reports indicate a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents globally, rising by approximately 340% in 2024 compared to 2022, with online antisemitic content also increasing by over 300%. Social media analysis has revealed severe spikes in antisemitic language, including explicit praise of Hitler and derogatory references to Jewish people.

Alex Ryvchin, Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), described this viral trend to the Brisbane Courier Mail as “deeply troubling”, emphasising that social media platforms are increasingly being used to amplify extremist narratives and incite hatred. ‘The fact that these campaigns openly call for the destruction of a state and millions of its citizens, Jews, Arabs, and Christians, is appalling and shocking,’ Mr Ryvchin said. He stressed that such movements result from long-term, unchecked antisemitic ideologies permeating society and shifting into mainstream acceptance, particularly among younger generations.

Mr Ryvchin further warned that these viral posts risk dehumanising individuals, potentially causing ‘fundamental long-term damage to Australian society.’ He noted that despite recent peaks in antisemitic incidents, the Australian Jewish community has not experienced a return to a sense of normality.

The Australian government has strongly condemned antisemitism. A government spokeswoman encouraged users to report inappropriate content directly to social media platforms or to the eSafety Commissioner. This aligns with broader national efforts to combat online hate, including the creation of a National Database for antisemitic crimes, banning Nazi symbols, and ongoing legislative initiatives against doxxing and hate speech. Recently, states such as New South Wales have strengthened penalties for antisemitic actions and enhanced protections for religious communities.