It has been a true honor to work alongside producer Raphael Shore, director Wayne Kopping, and the fearless narrator of “Tragic Awakening,” Rawan Osman. As we visited college campuses and schools across the country, my dedicated team and I have focused on bringing screenings and transformative conversations to students across North America. Rawan’s passion shines brightest when she’s face-to-face with students, inspiring the next generation to think boldly, question what they’ve been taught, and stand up for the truth.
Rawan, born in Lebanon to a Shia father and Sunni mother, grew up under the oppressive rule of Hezbollah. She speaks not from theory, but from lived experience. After Oct. 7, 2023, she could no longer stay silent. “I’m fed up with the miserable reality in the Middle East,” she said. Her life—like the lives of millions—has been shaped by war trauma, generational hatred, and political brainwashing. And she’s determined to break that cycle.
She reminds audiences that the conflict didn’t begin on Oct. 7—it’s rooted in decades of antisemitic indoctrination. Rawan boldly exposes how the Arab world, including Syrian, Lebanese, and broader Middle Eastern societies, have been conditioned for generations to scapegoat Israel and the Jewish people for the region’s problems. She only discovered the truth when she moved to Europe in her 20s and realized how deeply she had been deceived.
By bringing “Tragic Awakening” to college campuses, we’re asking hard questions: Is peace possible? Can the hate end? Can the Middle East escape its cycle of endless war against Israel? Rawan says yes. She believes the Abraham Accords, launched under the first Trump administration, prove that change is possible. Arab countries that once taught hate are now revising their school systems and embracing diplomacy. She calls on them to lead others out of darkness and into hope.
On the Palestinian issue, Rawan stands firmly in support of Trump’s proposed relocation plan. To her, this is not about politics, it’s about reality. This plan offers a practical, humane path forward—one that protects Israeli lives while offering long-term stability for Palestinians who have been trapped by failed leadership and false promises.
This college tour required months of careful planning—from coordinating with student and faculty leaders to securing grants and corporate sponsorship from Palace Imports, and arranging security to protect Rawan and those who came to listen. We visited Columbia University, Rutgers University, Haverford College, McGill University, Yale University, the Staten Island Hebrew Academy, Ramaz, and Westchester Day School. Despite our expectations of backlash and protests for bringing an Arab Zionist to campus, something extraordinary happened: silence. U.S. university campuses remained calm—even as pro-Palestinian students at McGill attempted to cancel Rawan’s appearance. In the United States, the hate stayed away.
Our mission was twofold: to uplift Jewish students during one of the hardest years they’ve ever faced, and to speak directly to those who may still harbor hatred—but are willing to listen. “Tragic Awakening” and Rawan’s testimony pierce through years of lies and shine light on the truth behind modern-day antisemitism. Students left with a clearer understanding of what’s at stake—and the tools to take a stand.
Today’s quieter campuses may also be a result of the bold actions taken by the Trump administration. Through the Department of Justice, measures like cutting federal funding under Title VI and deporting foreign students who support terror groups like Hamas are making a difference. The so-called “resistance” post-Oct. 7 on college campuses wasn’t organic—it was coordinated. It aimed to spread fear, disrupt American values, and silence Jewish students. We are fighting back.
Rawan calls herself a “recovered antisemite”—and she believes others can recover too. She now proudly wears the Star of David, has fallen in love with the Jewish people, and plans to convert and move to Israel in the near future. Her transformation proves that redemption is possible. As she says in the film: “After October 7, the world must choose—between good and evil.” Every decent human being must take a side. And that side must be with the Jewish people, with Israel, and with truth.
Director Wayne Kopping is scheduled to speak at Duke University on April 22, followed by stops in Florida communities and New York/NewJersey. Learn more about the film at https://raphaelshore.com/tragic-awakening/. To schedule a screening at your shul or school, please email Rivka Sonts at iana.sonts@gmail.com.
Rivka Sonts is a dedicated Israel activist known for elevating strong voices on Jewish and Israel-related issues through public relations and national speaking engagements. Rivka has contributed to organizations such as the Jewish Agency for Israel, UJA Federation, Ateret Cohanim, and Americans Against Antisemitism, and has lobbied alongside AIPAC, ZOA and NORPAC. She currently serves as a board member of Rescuers Without Borders in Yehuda and Shomron and is running on the ZOA slate for the World Zionist Congress elections. She is a certified life coach and is PR director at The Park Med Spa and founder of the Republican Club of Highland Park and a local support group for single mothers. Rivka lives in Highland Park with her children and can be reached at iana.sonts@gmail.com.
