Meirav brings a global perspective and grassroots impact to FOA. Having lived in several countries, she’s developed a deep appreciation for different cultures — and with fluency in multiple languages, she builds bridges across borders with warmth and clarity.
She also played a key role in amplifying the Bring Them Home campaign, using her voice and relationships to advocate for the hostages’ release. While we celebrate every return, one name remains close to our hearts: Ran Gvili. Our work won’t stop until he — and every hostage — comes home.
I was brought up with a very clear awareness of what antisemitism is. All four of my grandparents lost their entire families in Poland during the Shoah. My mother, Sara Bender, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Holocaust studies, so in many ways, we fell asleep with the wounds of the Holocaust — and woke up with the strength to fight it.
It was only a question of time before I would open this chapter in my own life and turn it into a central focus of my everyday work.
Q: When did you first learn about FOA, and what made you decide to join the team?
After all the living hostages were released, a dear friend of mine from Brazil asked me what my next mission would be. I told her very clearly that I needed to fight the rise in antisemitism.
She introduced me to Max, a friend of hers who volunteers with FOA and is based in Miami. That connection changed everything. Very quickly, I understood that FOA wasn’t just responding to hate — it was actively building real, effective solutions.
Q: What opened your eyes to the online battlefield?
During these two years of war, I was horrified to see how deeply Israel has been losing the war of narratives. I realized very quickly that social media and the online space are evolving battlefields that cannot be ignored.
Words are like weapons. They can kill.
Q: What makes FOA unique?
FOA combines technology with human involvement. Our tech identifies antisemitic posts, volunteers report them, and we measure real impact. That combination works.
Q: What gives you hope?
FOA empowers young people with tools to respond to hate. They will not scroll in silence. They will act, knowing they are not alone.
It’s our turn to win.