In this episode of IsraelCast, Steven Shalowitz speaks with Rawan Osman about her extraordinary personal journey and the experiences that transformed her understanding of Israel, Judaism, and the Middle East. Growing up in Lebanon and Syria, Rawan was taught to view Israel and the Jewish people as enemies. She shares how an unexpected encounter with members of the Jewish community led her to question those beliefs, setting her on a path of research, self-discovery, and ultimately, conversion to Judaism. The conversation also explores the impact of October 7, the future of the Abraham Accords, the possibility of peace between Israel and its neighbors, and the challenges posed by rising extremism and misinformation. Through her unique perspective, Rawan offers a compelling look at the power of education, dialogue, and personal relationships to challenge deeply held assumptions and build a more hopeful future.
Rawan Osman is a Syrian-Lebanese activist, writer, and content creator based in Germany. She is a Research and Diplomacy Fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs and an internationally recognized voice on antisemitism, Arab-Israeli relations, and political extremism. Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy, Rawan draws on her own remarkable journey to challenge misconceptions about Israel and foster greater understanding across cultures.