Rawan Osman in conversation

WIZO Victoria recently held its annual gala appeal featuring keynote speaker Syrian-born political activist and influencer Rawan Osman in conversation with Jewish-Australian advocate Marnie Perlstein. Over 500 members of the community attended the event in support of WIZO’s Return to the North campaign which funds essential programs delivered through the WIZO Kiryat Yam community centre and other WIZO community centres across northern Israel.

The gala, themed “Beyond Brave”, which has brought Osman to Australia for the first time, explored the bravery of the two featured women, Osman and Perlstein, who fight for truth every day through their activism and advocacy work. Osman’s opening remarks on the night praised the organisation and the Jewish people for their dedication to building Israel.

“This organisation is proof of the power of women and what they are capable of. WIZO played an instrumental role in building Israel. Ordinary women with resolve and agency assumed responsibility and helped this dream come true,” she said.

“Some harness hope, others give in to despair. Some build, some destroy. Against all odds, the Jews, men and women, hand in hand, built Israel.”

Following her opening speech, Osman sat down with Perlstein for an in-depth conversation before an attentive audience.