Hi, I’m Helle, FOA’s Deputy Monitoring Director.
After October 7th, I felt a deep calling to take part in the good fight. Living in a remote part of Italy with my family made it impossible to rush to Israel or even join the large-scale counter-protests in the cities. It was a childhood friend, now living in Tel Aviv, who first told me about FOA. It was exactly what I had been searching for – a way to make a difference, even from my isolated mountain home.
I began as a volunteer on the monitoring team, and before long, I became an official part of the FOA family. Together, day in and day out, we continue to fight the good fight.
Growing up in East Sydney in the 1980s and ’90s was a golden time. Though it offered all the perks of a big city, the atmosphere was easygoing, and there was always a warm “Hello” or “G’Day” for everyone. Bondi was our go-to spot after school. While Mum did the shopping, a friend and I would enjoy a doughnut. On sunny days, we’d head to the nearest big wave beach to catch a tan – or in my case, a bright red sunburn – dodging the surf and watching the surfers ride the waves.
On Sunday morning, I was woken by my phone buzzing wildly – a feeling that has become all too familiar to Jews around the world. My memories of home, once vivid, felt shattered. After quickly checking in with family and friends to make sure they were safe, the calls began coming in from my other family – the FOA team.
It was time to do what we do best: monitor social media, track the evidence, identify antisemitism, expose disinformation, and watch for signs of further threats.
Not a single person hesitated. Every hand was on deck before we could even call them in. One thing is certain: the Jewish people rise to the occasion.
One thing is equally certain: my childhood home will never be the same.