At FOA, our volunteers come from every background, united by one mission: to fight online antisemitism and create a safe online space online. This month, we spotlight Melhem Mansour, a volunteer of Syro-Lebanese origin who monitors Arabic antisemitism online.
Melhem’s story is one of courage—growing up in Syria, facing hostility in Lebanon, and speaking up despite fear and pressure. Today, through FOA, he continues this mission, proving that the fight against antisemitism is not only a Jewish responsibility, but a universal one.
Here is his account, in his own words.
Shalom, my name is Melhem Mansour.
I am of Syro-Lebanese origin, now living in the UK, and for many years I have been a committed activist for the rights of Jews from Arab countries and an outspoken voice against antisemitism and misinformation about the Israeli–Arab conflict.
Growing Up in Syria
I was born and raised in Syria. The regime pushed a rigid anti-Israel and anti-Zionist policy through schools, media, and politics. Yet at the level of everyday life, Syrians managed to maintain social cohesion. Muslims, Christians, and the few remaining Jews still treated one another with respect. The Jewish community, though dwindling, had left an undeniable contribution to Syrian society.
Lebanon: A Different Reality
Moving to Lebanon was a turning point. The country was just emerging from 25 years of civil war. Communities lived in mistrust. Most of the Jews had already left, and those who remained often had to hide their identity. Hizbullah’s growing influence spread anti-Israel and antisemitic propaganda everywhere.
At university, I was branded an “Israeli spy.” I couldn’t find a flatmate willing to live with me. That was when I began actively fighting back against misconceptions. I tried to correct false narratives with facts and history, while also showing people the spiritual essence of the Jewish faith.
Building Memory
By coincidence, I met Mr. Tabbara at the ruins of the Magen Abraham Synagogue in Beirut (shown in picture above). Together we launched a blog to collect stories and materials about Lebanese Jews. That blog later grew into a real project calling for the synagogue’s renovation. But it was a dangerous time. Hizbullah’s opponents were being assassinated, and countering propaganda came with personal risk. Still, I believed the truth needed to be told. I wanted people to see beyond the lies that painted Israel as a colonial “white invader” and that twisted history to justify Holocaust denial.
A Voice on Air
In 2008, I was chosen by the European Commission as one of 12 young leaders from the Euro-Med region for a 12-episode program on MBC TV. One episode was dedicated to the Palestinian issue. After it aired, an old friend told me he was shocked at how I “defended Israel.” In truth, I wasn’t defending—I was just telling history as it really happened.
Although a few channels gave me space to speak, the fear of Hizbullah’s reach was always present. Even when the Magen Abraham Synagogue was restored, successive governments refused to grant the Jewish community permission to pray there. A TV report about its possible reopening was drowned in antisemitic comments online—another reminder of the work still needed.
Finding FOA
During the recent war between Hizballah and Israel, I began filing complaints against TV stations broadcasting antisemitic rhetoric. That was when I connected with Harif, who eventually introduced me to FOA.
Joining FOA felt like a natural step. The same fight I had taken on for years—against propaganda, against hate, and for truth—was being waged here with tools, training, and a community of dedicated volunteers. Today, I monitor Arabic-language antisemitism online and report disinformation directly.
Why I Continue
The scale of antisemitism in the Middle East is immense, and the struggle is as old as Jewish history itself. But defending truth is everyone’s responsibility. Even the smallest contribution can shift perceptions, change behavior, and promote peace.
I am encouraged to see more Lebanese voices daring to speak up, defending Jewish history, and imagining a future of peace with Israel. My story is only one voice among many—but together, our voices matter.