Spreading hatred. Consequences. Counteraction. Criminalization.

In the face of the growing scale of hate speech, the rapid development of new technologies, and increasingly complex forms of prejudice in both online and offline spaces, this publication was developed by the Jewish Association Czulent in cooperation with experts in sociology, psychology, and law.

This practical tool is intended for those working in the field of human rights, public institutions, educators, activists, and anyone seeking to more effectively recognize, understand, and counter hate crimes. The publication not only helps identify contemporary forms of hate, but above all provides concrete solutions – from analyzing the phenomenon to legal and intervention measures.

Why was this publication created?

The publication is the result of several years of research conducted as part of a project monitoring antisemitic crimes and hate speech. The analysis of hundreds of cases has shown that contemporary hate less often takes obvious forms and is more frequently concealed in symbols, memes, and cultural codes present in social media and public space.

At the same time, we continue to observe a low level of public awareness of these phenomena. It is precisely this gap – between the growing scale of the problem and the lack of tools to recognize it – that became the impetus for developing this comprehensive publication.

What does the publication include?

The publication combines expert knowledge with practical tools for action. It consists of several complementary parts:

• sociological perspective – an analysis of how hate symbols function in culture and social space,
• psychological perspective – the mechanisms behind the emergence and persistence of hate speech,
• catalogue of hate symbols – a unique compilation of signs, codes, and memes along with their context and meanings,
• legal and procedural tools – guidance on reporting crimes and conducting proceedings,
• practical case studies – examples of real-life situations and interventions.

A particular strength of the publication is its catalogue of symbols, which includes both explicit, historical hate symbols and contemporary, contextual, and “hidden” forms of communication found, among others, in internet culture and social media.

catalogue of hate symbols – a unique compilation of signs, codes, and memes along with their context and meanings,

One of the key conclusions of the publication is the changing nature of how hate operates.

Today, it spreads through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and gaming servers, using the language of memes, irony, and seemingly neutral symbols.

This makes the line between a “joke” and a hateful message increasingly blurred, allowing hate to gradually permeate the social mainstream. The publication shows how to recognize these mechanisms and how to respond to them – before they escalate into violence.

Who is this tool for?

The publication has been designed as practical support for:

• civil society organizations and activists,
• teachers and educators,
• representatives of public administration and services,
• lawyers and professionals working with victims of violence,
• anyone who wants to better understand contemporary manifestations of hate.

By combining theory and practice, it enables not only the diagnosis of the problem but also an effective response to it.

Expert knowledge and cross-sectoral cooperation

The publication was developed in cooperation with recognized experts, including in the fields of sociology (Lech M. Nijakowski), psychology (Mikołaj Winiewski), and law (Joanna Grabarczyk-Anders, Jacek Mazurczak, Tomasz Plaszczyk).

This combination of perspectives made it possible to create a tool that responds to real challenges – both at the systemic level and in everyday practice.

The publication was developed as part of the project “An Integrated System for Monitoring Antisemitic Crimes and Hate Speech, and Providing Assistance and Support to Members of the Jewish Community,” implemented by the Jewish Association Czulent and the Jewish Community of Warsaw.

The project was funded by the European Union under the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme 2014–2020, as well as by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).