Jerusalem/Gaza, April 16, 2026 - Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has released a controversial "Top 10 Prominent Antisemitic Influencers" list for 2025, sparking widespread backlash for equating criticism of Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza with antisemitism.
The report, which claims a surge in antisemitic incidents, ranks individuals based on reach and a so-called "risk score" using the controversial IHRA definition - widely criticized for conflating legitimate condemnation of Israeli policies with Jew-hatred.
Topping the list is American influencer Dan Bilzerian, followed by climate activist Greta Thunberg in second place. Thunberg's "crime"? Using terms such as "genocide," "siege," and "mass starvation" to describe Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza.
In a direct response, Thunberg stated: "Israel named me the second most dangerous antisemite. My crime? Using words like genocide, siege, and mass starvation to describe Gaza. Israel passed a race-based death penalty law for Palestinians. That is apartheid."
Critics, including human rights groups and pro-Palestine voices, have slammed the list as a desperate attempt to silence international outrage over what many describe as Israel's genocide in Palestine. The inclusion of prominent voices like Bassem Youssef, Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Danish doctor Anastasia Maria Loupis has triggered sarcastic replies and counter-lists online.
Many argue the ministry is weaponizing the label of antisemitism to deflect from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians - including large numbers of women and children - have been killed, and the population faces famine-like conditions due to blockade and destruction of infrastructure.
Tel Aviv University scholars and other Israeli voices have reportedly called the definitions overly broad, while listed individuals and supporters are turning the report into memes and using it to amplify calls for accountability.
This list comes amid continued international scrutiny of Israel's military operations in Gaza, even after a fragile ceasefire. Reports from the ground continue to highlight severe humanitarian suffering, destruction, and accusations of systematic violations of international law - accusations that Israel strongly denies, claiming its actions are self-defense against Hamas.
Human rights organizations and several UN experts have repeatedly warned that Israel's conduct in Gaza may amount to genocide, citing mass displacement, targeting of civilian infrastructure, and restrictions on aid.
Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, and many other Muslim and Global South nations have strongly condemned Israel's actions and rejected attempts to label Gaza solidarity as antisemitism.
