- Atlas Award winner Rawan Osman shares her personal journey from a Syrian-born Lebanese upbringing to a prominent anti-Semitism advocate.
- Osman reveals her pivotal turning point: living among Jews in France, which exposed her to intense indoctrination.
- She discusses Iran's strategic use of casualties to fuel propaganda against Israel.
- Osman highlights a growing awareness in Lebanon regarding Hezbollah's true allegiances and impact.
Rawan Osman, a courageous voice against anti-Semitism, recently received the Atlas Award, an honor she humbly describes as recognition for simply doing 'the obvious.' Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Osman's path to advocacy was forged through a profound personal transformation, challenging deeply ingrained narratives and confronting the complexities of regional conflict.
Osman's journey took a decisive turn when she moved to Europe, specifically to France, where she found herself living in a Jewish quarter. This direct, unmediated interaction with individuals previously demonized as 'the enemy' shattered years of intensive indoctrination. It was a powerful awakening that propelled her into a role as an outspoken critic of anti-Semitism and a proponent of peace.
In her interview, Osman addresses the critical issue of declining support for Israel in the West, particularly among young people, following events like October 7th. She argues that the Islamic Republic in Iran deliberately 'bets on casualties' during conflicts, meticulously preparing propaganda campaigns to exploit every victim and lost child. This strategy aims to portray Israel negatively on the global stage, a narrative many are unfortunately falling for, making it imperative to 'tell the truth.'
Osman also sheds light on the evolving perception of Hezbollah within Lebanon. She notes a significant shift, with more Lebanese recognizing that Hezbollah prioritizes Iran's political agenda over the welfare of its own people. This realization stems from the devastating wars Hezbollah has brought upon the country. A recent online gathering, bringing together thousands of Lebanese and Israelis for frank discussions, underscored a shared desire for a better future, moving beyond decades of glorifying violence and terrorism.
“The turning point for me was moving to Europe to France, namely where I lived in the Jewish quarter among Jews. That first encounter with the so-called enemy, the Jew, opened my eyes to the fact that we were intensively indoctrinated.”
- Rawan Osman, Anti-Semitism Activist and Atlas Award Recipient
