Syrian-born activist and writer Rawan Osman, who says she was raised to hate Jews before becoming a prominent advocate for peace and coexistence, will be a featured speaker at the NCJWA National Conference in Sydney.
Osman will appear in the session Confessions of a former Antisemite, in conversation with NCJWA President Lynda Ben-Menashe, as part of the national gathering titled Unbreakable Jewish Women: Then, Now, Always.
NCJWA said Osman’s appearance was a major addition to the conference program, describing her as a powerful voice against antisemitism and antizionism.
Rawan Osman has spoken publicly about growing up in an environment where antisemitic beliefs were normalised, before rethinking those views after encounters with Jewish people and Jewish history. She now advocates for breaking down prejudice and for greater understanding between Arabs and Jews.
Her work has included public advocacy against antisemitism, support for normalisation between Arab states and Israel, and commentary on the way hatred of Jews is taught and spread in parts of the Middle East and among diaspora communities.
The conference will be held in Sydney on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 August 2026, with an invitation-only opening night at Admiralty House on Saturday 22 August hosted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC.
The two-day program brings together speakers, musicians, community leaders and advocates from Australia and overseas, with sessions covering Jewish women’s leadership, antisemitism, feminism, social cohesion and community resilience.
Among the sessions are Bondi Pilgrimage, featuring Liora Miller, Jessica Chapnik Kahn, Luul Ibrahim, Nathalie Samia, Cr Dr Keri Spooner and Joanna Weinberg, and When Feminism Fails Us, with Professor Nareen Young, Breteil Tigris David and Lisa Annese, moderated by Professor Catharine Lumby.
The Esther Awards will recognise Jewish and non-Jewish women whose leadership, courage and contribution have strengthened the Jewish community and the wider Australian social fabric. Categories include courage, lifetime contribution, allyship and rising leadership.
NCJWA said the conference is open to women of all backgrounds from across Australia and overseas and stressed that attendees do not have to be Jewish or women to take part.
Osman’s appearance has been made possible with the support of WIZO.
Bookings are open through the NCJWA conference page: https://www.ncjwa.org.au/conference.