About This Event
Visionary Voices 2026 - Featuring Iris Haim, Rawan Osman, Glenn Cohen
The Scott Pazer Memorial Speaker Series
Join us for this series of engaging talks that promise fresh perspectives,
powerful insights, and meaningful conversations. Don’t miss this
opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping the future.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 - IRIS HAIM is the mother of October 7 hostage Yotam Haim, who was accidentally killed by the IDF as he tried to escape from captivity. Iris bears no anger toward the military for his death. She sees Yotam’s story as not one of tragedy, but one of triumph. Come hear how she turned darkness into light.
This event chaired by Lisa Beth and Greg Meisel.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - RAWAN OSMAN grew up in Syria and Lebanon immersed in anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives, initially supporting Hezbollah. Today, she describes herself as a “recovered antisemite,” an Arab Zionist, and the founder of Arabs Ask, a platform dedicated to challenging misinformation about Israel in the Arab world. She is also publicly affirming her conversion to Judaism, which she describes as a proud and deeply meaningful personal decision. Her transformation has come at a personal cost, resulting in estrangement from family and friends who reject her views, particularly in the aftermath of October 7.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - GLENN COHEN is the Hostage Debrief Team Leader and former Mossad Chief Psychologist. Born and raised in New York City, he moved to Israel after high school and went on to serve more than three decades as an air force pilot, special-forces psychologist, and IDF Hostage Negotiator.
This program is a collaborative effort of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, Kaplen JCC, JCC NNJ
Laura Freeman | LauraF@jfnnj.org | 201.820.3923
About This Event
Visionary Voices 2026 - Featuring Iris Haim, Rawan Osman, Glenn Cohen
The Scott Pazer Memorial Speaker Series
Join us for this series of engaging talks that promise fresh perspectives,
powerful insights, and meaningful conversations. Don’t miss this
opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping the future.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 - IRIS HAIM is the mother of October 7 hostage Yotam Haim, who was accidentally killed by the IDF as he tried to escape from captivity. Iris bears no anger toward the military for his death. She sees Yotam’s story as not one of tragedy, but one of triumph. Come hear how she turned darkness into light.
This event chaired by Lisa Beth and Greg Meisel.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - RAWAN OSMAN grew up in Syria and Lebanon immersed in anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives, initially supporting Hezbollah. Today, she describes herself as a “recovered antisemite,” an Arab Zionist, and the founder of Arabs Ask, a platform dedicated to challenging misinformation about Israel in the Arab world. She is also publicly affirming her conversion to Judaism, which she describes as a proud and deeply meaningful personal decision. Her transformation has come at a personal cost, resulting in estrangement from family and friends who reject her views, particularly in the aftermath of October 7.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - GLENN COHEN is the Hostage Debrief Team Leader and former Mossad Chief Psychologist. Born and raised in New York City, he moved to Israel after high school and went on to serve more than three decades as an air force pilot, special-forces psychologist, and IDF Hostage Negotiator.
This program is a collaborative effort of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, Kaplen JCC, JCC NNJ
Laura Freeman | LauraF@jfnnj.org | 201.820.3923