Anti-Defamation League Adds (((Echo))) to Hate Symbols Database

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced Monday it has added a new symbol of anti-Semitism to its hate symbols database.

The symbol, which places triple-parentheses around Jewish or suspected Jewish names online, is called “(((echo)))” and was reportedly invented in 2014 on a anti-Semitic podcast. In recent months, it’s been used to target journalists, including Jonathan Weisman and Julia Ioffe, both after they wrote critical pieces involving Donald or Melania Trump.

In a press release, the ADL called (((echo))) “the latest gimmick used by white supremacists and anti-Semites to single out Jews on Twitter and other social media,” with CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt calling it “the online equivalent of tagging a building with anti-Semitic graffiti or taunting someone verbally.”

After the meaning of the symbol became known outside of anti-Semitic circles, some Jews added the triple-parentheses to their user names on social media in a display of solidarity with those who’ve been targeted.