NYC mayor pushes tech sector for innovative solutions to social media radicalization, antisemitism

Mayor of New York Eric Adams urged the tech sector to combat the proliferation of antisemitism and hate, emphasizing the role of social media in radicalizing youth.

“Social media platforms are radicalizing our children and they’re being used to create an environment of hate. At the tip of the hate are identifiable groups, people of color, African Americans, and the Jewish community... This is the greatest challenge that is facing us right now, and no one could do it better than you. If they can create the algorithm of hate, we can create the algorithm of tolerance, of love, of opportunity.”

Adams added that college campuses need to be addressed since they are “no longer institutions of learning. They have become places where hate is being taught and being fed.”

Adams made these statements during his address on Thursday night during an international gathering in New York, hosted by Team8, a prominent venture group specializing in Cyber, Data, Fintech, and Digital Health. The event, which typically focuses on entrepreneurship, investment, and portfolio companies, took on a modified theme this year - Resilient Israeli Tech.

Against the backdrop of the war that has gripped Israel since October 7th, the gathering aimed to highlight the strength of the Israeli hi-tech sector and its ability to endure, innovate, and deliver even in times of crisis. The conflict erupted when the terrorist group Hamas carried out a brutal massacre, claiming the lives of more than 1,200 Israeli citizens and kidnapping an additional 242 Israelis and foreign nationals.

Annual event showcases hi-tech industry's resilience this year

Team8's annual event, known for attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, showcased the resiliency of the Israeli hi-tech industry, a sector integral to driving Israel's economy in recent years. Despite the ongoing war, the event served as a powerful message to the world that Israel's hi-tech community remains steadfast in maintaining business continuity, contributing to the nation's reputation as a robust start-up nation.

During the gathering, the diverse audience of 100 participants, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, received ID Tags bearing the inscription "Bring Them Home Now," serving as a poignant reminder of those still in Hamas captivity.

A fireside chat between Bourla and Team8 partner Rakefet Russak-Aminoach delved into digital transformation in the health sector, while Nadav Zafrir, former commander of IDF Unit 8200 and current co-founder/managing partner at Team8, opened the evening with an overview of the situation in Israel.

Zafrir emphasized that Israel's technology sector thrived "not in spite of adversity, but because of adversity." Despite acknowledging the pain and loss, Zafrir expressed determination to overcome the challenges, beat Hamas, and forge a new future with the help of technology.

“We’re going to show that there’s another way to live in the Middle East. We can foster a new future and create a balance with new alliances,” he said. “Tech is going to play a huge role in this, because that’s what we have to offer to our neighbors and to the world. Israeli tech is resilient — this is not our first war.”