Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, recently made a thought-provoking statement during a conversation with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. After a private visit to the Auschwitz concentration camp organized by the European Jewish Association, Musk revealed that he considers himself “Jewish by association.”
Musk’s visit to Auschwitz was arranged by the association to address the surge of antisemitism that followed the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The former Nazi death camp, where approximately 1.1 million Jewish people were brutally killed during the Holocaust, left a profound impact on Musk.
During his conversation with Shapiro, Musk admitted his initial naivety about the prevalence of antisemitism. In the circles he frequents, Musk asserted, he encounters almost no antisemitism. In fact, he revealed that two-thirds of his friends are Jewish, which has influenced his perception of his own identity – “I’m like Jewish by association.”
The billionaire tech mogul was surprised to hear about the existence of antisemitism from Shapiro. Musk explained that during his dinner conversations, he never encountered discussions or expressions of antisemitism. To him, it seemed absurd, at least within his friend circles.
Musk also took the opportunity to address the concerning phenomenon of “pro-Hamas rallies” on college campuses, which are meant to foster enlightenment and understanding. He expressed his disappointment, stating that hate should not be encouraged in these supposedly intellectual spaces.
Accompanied by Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Shapiro, and Holocaust survivor Gidon Lev, Musk paid his respects during his visit. He laid a wreath at the wall of death and participated in a short memorial ceremony near the Birkenau memorial.
It is worth noting that Musk has faced criticism in the past for endorsing antisemitic claims on his social media platform X. However, Musk’s visit to Auschwitz and his subsequent reflection on antisemitism indicate his willingness to confront and challenge such hateful ideologies.
The words and actions of influential figures like Musk, who possess a vast platform and reach, play a crucial role in combatting antisemitism. By openly acknowledging the gravity of the issue and sharing his personal experiences, Musk contributes to increasing awareness and fostering acceptance.
To read more about Elon Musk’s visit to Auschwitz and his insights on antisemitism, you can visit the F5 Magazine website.