close
Friday July 26, 2024

Elon Musk to discuss 'rising antisemitism' with Israeli president

Elon Musk's meeting comes after he was accused of amplifying anti-Jewish hatred on X

By Web Desk
November 27, 2023
SpaceX, Twitter and electric car maker Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacts as he visits the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, on June 16, 2023. — AFP
SpaceX, Twitter and electric car maker Tesla CEO Elon Musk reacts as he visits the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, on June 16, 2023. — AFP

Elon Musk will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the relatives of the hostages held by Hamas following their October 7 attack to discuss the "rising antisemitism" on social media on Monday (today). 

“In their meeting, the president will emphasise the need to act to combat rising antisemitism online," said President Herzog's office on Sunday after announcing the meeting with Musk. 

His meeting comes after the tech billionaire was accused by civil rights groups of amplifying anti-Jewish hatred on the microblogging website X, formerly known as Twitter.

The tweet accused Jews of promoting hatred against whites, and Musk's reply, acknowledging the statement as the "actual truth," triggered a fierce online backlash.

Musk, later defending himself against accusations of anti-semitism, asserted that such claims were "nothing could be further from the truth." He clarified his intentions, expressing goodwill towards humanity and a desire for a prosperous future for all.

In an effort to counterbalance the controversy, Musk announced his commitment to donating advertising revenue from his company, X, to hospitals in Israel and Gaza. 

Last week, Israeli media reported that Musk would visit Israel this week, with plans to tour Gaza border towns. 

According to N12, the Tesla magnate was expected to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Herzog during his visit.

Additionally, Musk had previously pledged to provide internet satellite connectivity to Gaza's remaining civilians and humanitarian workers.