Rawan Osman, born in Damascus and raised in Lebanon, spent her early years steeped in anti-Jewish sentiment. Growing up, she absorbed the beliefs propagated by politicians, educators, and media that portrayed Jews, Zionists, and Israelis as enemies. She described herself as a “fan” of Hezbollah, the militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the Canadian government. Despite her family's disapproval, she secretly watched Israeli television, associating Hebrew with hostility.

In 2011, Osman returned to Syria but fled to France as the civil war escalated. By 2018, she settled in Strasbourg for her studies. Living in the Jewish Quarter marked a significant turning point in her life. Until then, she had never interacted with Jews. One day, while shopping, she encountered Jews wearing religious attire. Overwhelmed by fear, she abandoned her groceries and rushed home, confronting her ingrained fears.

However, her perspective began to shift after a positive encounter with a Jewish shop owner upon her return to the store. "It was a journey for me, detoxing from the propaganda I was bombarded with was not an easy thing to do," she reflected. Seeking to broaden her understanding, Osman visited areas affected by the October 7 attacks and the Auschwitz death camp.

Her evolving views came at a personal cost. Many friends and family members in Syria and Lebanon severed ties with her after she publicly denounced Hamas. On March 3, 2025, she addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, asserting that Israel is not the problem and criticizing the roles of several Middle Eastern regimes in perpetuating human rights violations and conflict.

Now 42, Osman resides in Germany and utilizes her social media platform, which boasts a following of 250,000, to foster dialogue and promote understanding of Israel among Arabic speakers. She is set to attend the Canadian premiere of the documentary "Tragic Awakening" on September 15 in Toronto, where she stars alongside producer Rabbi Raphael Shore. The film, which has garnered over half a million views, explores the persistent issue of antisemitism throughout history.

In an interview, Osman recounted her upbringing, stating, "I grew up in Lebanon, but then I lived in Syria for four years. I lived in Saudi Arabia for one and a half years, and I lived in Qatar less than a year. I traveled in the Arab world, and there is a consensus that the Jew is the lowest of the low and evil."

She elaborated on the roots of Islamic antisemitism, explaining that it has affected non-Muslims for centuries. Osman noted that the rise of antisemitism in the Arab world intensified in the 1920s, coinciding with the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of nationalist ideas. She highlighted the role of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini, in framing the conflict as a holy war.

Osman criticized Hezbollah for perpetuating similar hatred and emphasized the need for a new approach to governance in the region. "Especially after October 7, you are not fit for governing. You are not safe for your own children," she stated, urging Palestinian leadership to take responsibility for their communities.

Initially hesitant to participate in the documentary, Osman agreed after being informed that her involvement could encourage broader viewership. Her journey from fear to advocacy illustrates a profound transformation shaped by personal experiences and a commitment to fostering understanding.