Marc J. Strohl, a 59-year-old Manhattan accountant and self-proclaimed “proud Jew,” has filed a lawsuit against LinkedIn, claiming that the platform banned him in a manner reminiscent of Nazi-era policies. His legal action centers on accusations that LinkedIn failed to address antisemitism on its platform while selectively targeting his outspoken stance against such hate speech.
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Background of the Lawsuit
Strohl, who boasts a following of approximately 14,000 on his personal and business profiles for ProTax Consulting Services, contends that his vocal opposition to antisemitism led to his removal from LinkedIn. Strohl’s family history includes losing relatives in the Holocaust and during the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack, which claimed 1,200 Israeli lives, as detailed in court documents.
Strohl claims that LinkedIn did not take adequate action against antisemitic posts, including those glorifying terrorist groups like Hamas and individuals such as Adolf Hitler. He asserts that many of his reports regarding these offensive posts were ignored, including messages advocating for violence against Israel and hateful rhetoric targeting Jewish people.
Accusations of Double Standards
In his lawsuit, Strohl compares LinkedIn’s actions to the exclusionary practices of Nazi Germany, where Jews were systematically removed from public life and businesses. He accuses LinkedIn of allowing antisemitic content to flourish while silencing Jewish voices, particularly those supporting Israel. Strohl believes that the platform’s moderation policies, particularly its outsourcing of content moderation to countries with a history of antisemitism, are at the heart of the issue.
The accountant further argues that he was subjected to stricter standards than users advocating for pro-Palestinian causes or endorsing Hamas. Strohl contends that LinkedIn’s algorithms, alongside the “Trust & Safety Team,” failed to remove content that praised Hamas or AdolfHitlere;hee claims the platform defended these posts on the grounds that they did not violate LinkedIn’s terms of service.
Impact on Strohl’s Professional Life
Strohl’s LinkedIn ban has had a significant impact on his professional life. Prior to his removal from the platform, his business received numerous referrals through LinkedIn. He states that the suspension has dealt a considerable blow to his reputation and professional opportunities.
Strohl’s lawyer, Ava Zelenetsky, has called the situation a “selective double standard,” criticizing LinkedIn for allowing antisemitic and anti-Israel propaganda to thrive while stifling Jewish and Israeli voices. Zelenetsky compared LinkedIn’s actions to the silencing of Jews and Zionists in 1930s Germany.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
- Strohl’s LinkedIn account was suspended twice in 2024 before being permanently banned in October 2023.
- He alleges that LinkedIn failed to act on antisemitic content, including posts supporting Hamas and praising Nazis.
- Strohl claims the platform’s content moderation policies are biased and that LinkedIn has allowed antisemitism to spread while censoring Jewish voices.
- His lawyer argues that LinkedIn’s actions reflect a selective double standard that harms Jewish users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marc J. Strohl suing LinkedIn for?
Strohl is suing LinkedIn for banning his account after he reported and commented on antisemitic content. He claims the platform allowed such hate speech while silencing Jewish voices, drawing comparisons to Nazi-era practices.
Why was Strohl banned from LinkedIn?
Strohl believes he was banned because of his outspoken stance against antisemitism. Despite reporting hateful content, including pro-Hamas posts and Nazi glorification, Strohl alleges LinkedIn failed to take action and eventually banned him without explanation.
What is Strohl’s lawyer claiming in the lawsuit?
Ava Zelenetsky, Strohl’s lawyer, claims that LinkedIn enforces a double standard by allowing antisemitic and anti-Israel content to flourish while suppressing Jewish voices. She argues this is similar to the silencing of Jews in 1930s Germany.
How has the ban affected Strohl’s professional life?
Strohl states that his LinkedIn ban has negatively impacted his business and professional reputation, as he previously received significant referrals through the platform.
What does Strohl want from the lawsuit?
Strohl is seeking the reinstatement of his LinkedIn account and unspecified damages for the harm caused to his reputation and business.
Conclusion
Marc J. Strohl’s legal battle against LinkedIn raises iessentialquestions about content moderation, antisemitism, and the platform’s responsibility in regulating hate speech. Strohl’s case is a striking example of how social media platforms handle (or fail to handle) harmful content, particularly when it comes to protecting users from hate speech. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for how platforms manage speech, bias, and the safety of marginalized groups.