Meet Leeba Yaffe, our dedicated volunteer, making sure our website runs smoothly.
Tell us a bit about yourself – where you’re from, what you do, and something you’re passionate about outside of FOA.
I’m a software engineering student from Jerusalem. I love the outdoors and adrenaline-filled activities, but I also enjoy quiet moments with a good book or puzzle. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and keep learning.
How did you first hear about FOA? What inspired you to volunteer with FOA?
I first came across FOA through my college, and I’m really glad I did. The mission felt personal and important to me from the start. I’m grateful to be part of something meaningful and to contribute to a cause that really matters.
Did you encounter online antisemitism before or after you started volunteering?
Mostly after October 7th. I was spending a lot of time online following the news, and that’s when I really started to notice how intense and widespread online antisemitism had become. It’s not just offensive – it can actually feel threatening. That was a wake-up call for me.
What’s your role within FOA, and what kind of tasks or projects have you been involved in?
I’m on the FOA website team. We take care of the site’s technical side and make sure the content stays updated and relevant. It’s great being able to give back through something I’m passionate about – tech and use those skills to support this kind of work.
Can you share one experience during your volunteer work that left a strong impression on you – a challenge, a win, or something you learned?
At first, it took me some time to get familiar with the tools we use on the FOA website team, but that’s part of the role – and something I enjoy. What really stood out, though, was an FOA workshop I attended. Seeing so many passionate volunteers committed to fighting antisemitism was incredibly moving and motivating.
In what ways has volunteering with FOA influenced your understanding of antisemitism and how it spreads online? Has anything you’ve learned about online antisemitism surprised you?
I don’t think I fully realized how much online antisemitism I was encountering until I started volunteering with FOA – it sort of blended into the background. I learned to notice how even the smallest symbols or subtle messages in a post can play a powerful role in spreading hate.
How do you balance volunteering with your studies, work, or personal life? Any tips for staying committed?
I try to treat volunteering like any other regular commitment – I set aside a couple of hours each week. That way it becomes part of my routine and doesn’t compete with my studies or personal life. It also helps me stay connected to the bigger picture, even during busy weeks.
What message would you give to someone considering joining FOA as a volunteer?
FOA offers so many different roles and opportunities – there’s really a place for everyone. Whatever your interests or strengths are, you can absolutely find a way to contribute and make an impact in your own unique way.
What are your hopes for the future in the fight against online antisemitism?
I know this isn’t something that will disappear overnight. But I hope more people become aware of how antisemitism spreads online and feel empowered to speak up. Little by little, awareness can grow stronger than the hate – and that’s what I want to help build.
