Please share a bit about yourself and what led you to where you are today.
My name is Aliza Reitz. I’m originally from Costa Rica, and about three and a half years ago I moved to Israel. Today, I’m a third-year psychology student at Reichman University, balancing my studies with work and volunteering – all of which have shaped how I see people, communities, and responsibility.
How did you first hear about Fighting Online Antisemitism, and what made you get involved?
I first discovered FOA through my university’s volunteer list, and it immediately caught my attention. I grew up in a relatively small Jewish community, but one that was deeply rooted in Zionist and Jewish values. This played a big role in shaping who I am. Because of that background, I felt confident in my ability to recognize antisemitism online. FOA felt like a meaningful and practical way to turn that awareness into action.
What does your day-to-day work as a volunteer on the monitoring team look like?
Alongside my studies, I work as a babysitter, which means my schedule comes in short, flexible windows rather than long stretches of free time. Volunteering with FOA fits perfectly into that rhythm. I often report content during small breaks in my day – when the baby is napping or when I have long gaps between classes – and it’s rewarding to know that even a few minutes can make a difference.
How do you personally motivate yourself to report antisemitic content online?
This is my third year volunteering with the monitoring team. After spending two years seeing the reality of what’s posted about Jews and Israel online, I feel a strong responsibility to act. The volume and intensity of the content is shocking, and it motivates me to help keep these platforms cleaner – and hopefully also help others learn to recognize antisemitism when they encounter it.
With your background, what unique perspective do you bring to the fight against antisemitism and anti-Zionist hate?
I joined a Jewish and Zionist youth movement when I was nine and stayed active through high school. After graduating, I spent a year in Israel as part of a leadership training program, which also included a trip to Poland. Growing up in a Catholic country with a very small Jewish community gave me an added perspective – both on how visible and invisible Jewish identity can be, depending on where you are.
Before joining FOA, how familiar were you with antisemitism and the ways it spreads online?
Before FOA, I understood what antisemitism looked like in real life, even though I hadn’t experienced it personally. I was also aware of anti-Zionist content online, but I didn’t fully grasp how widespread and normalized it could be until I started this work.
What has surprised you the most about how hate manifests online?
The sheer amount of old-school antisemitism – especially Nazi idolization – has been one of the most shocking things to see.
What is the most difficult part of this work for you, and how do you cope with it?
The hardest part is seeing people celebrate the deaths of hostages or IDF soldiers. When I come across that kind of content, I cope by reposting it and talking about it with friends and family. Sharing it helps me process it and makes sure I’m not carrying it alone.
What changes do you hope to see in the online space regarding antisemitism and hate speech in the coming years?
I hope that social media platforms continue to improve their ability to identify antisemitic and anti-Zionist content – especially when people use coded language, symbols, or innuendos to disguise it.
What message would you like to share with other people about why this work matters and how they can take part?
I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by Jewish and Zionist values. However, even with that background, I was unprepared for the sheer volume of antisemitic content posted every day. If you care about the Jewish community, reporting these posts when you see them is one of the simplest – and most impactful – ways to help.