After urging from the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, Facebook has removed an anti-Israel game from its platforms in which players’ primary objective was to kill Israeli soldiers and take control of the world’s only Jewish state.
The game, named Fursan Al-Aqsa, or The Knights of Al-Aqsa – developed by Nidal Nim, Brazilian of Palestinian heritage – addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a violent Palestinian perspective, and raised concern in the Jewish community before being pulled by Facebook.
Besides for the game itself, Nim’s website serves to legitimate terror and inspire children to murder Jews to become “martyrs.”
Following a global uproar, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce CEO Duvi Honig contacted Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg informing her of the dangers the game poses to world peace and harmony, urging her to intervene and have the company remove the hateful content from their platform.
Sandberg thanked Mr. Honig and the Chamber for bringing the game to Facebook’s attention and took immediate action to remove all links and promotions of Fursan Al-Aqsa from their social media platforms.
Ms. Sandberg went on to say that she is glad Facebook was able to do the right thing.
“We all stand with you and against this – and all- hate,” she told OJCC CEO Duvi Honig.
In a statement, Facebook said the game was removed from their platforms for violating their community standards, adding that the company is grateful for working together with the Chamber to make their platform a safer, more inviting space for everyone.
“We are very thankful to Sheryl Sandberg for taking immediate action and for their partnership to fight the plague of hate and anti- Semitism on their platform,” said OJCC CEO Duvi Honig. “Moreover, social media has a crucial role to play in helping to prevent the spread of terror and violence. Taking the stand of not allowing this game to be promoted on their platform will no doubt protect families and lives and most of all strengthen world peace.”
