Ronit Zimmer, CEO of Project Rozana, on Peace, Collaboration, and Hope
- Born in Melbourne, Australia.
- Moved to Tel Aviv 22 years ago with hopes of contributing to peace efforts.
Podcast
Overview
In this insightful episode of TBCY’s “Leaders Who Care” series, host Mark Sadovnick sits down with Ronit Zimmer, CEO of Project Rozana. Their conversation takes us through Ronit’s personal journey from Melbourne to Tel Aviv, her lifelong pursuit of peace in the region, and how healthcare diplomacy is bridging divides between Israelis and Palestinians. Below, we break down the key highlights, punctuated with important timestamps and guiding questions.
00:00:16-Who is Ronit Zimmer? What’s her backstory?
- Born in Melbourne, Australia.
- Moved to Tel Aviv 22 years ago with hopes of contributing to peace efforts.
- Grew up during the Oslo Accords era with optimism for a different Middle East.
- Now a mother of three teenagers; reflects on the region’s setbacks and optimism for change.
00:03:26-What was Ronit like as a child and student?
- Valued kindness, respect, and friendship — crediting her parents for instilling these.
- Pursued law and English at Monash University.
- Early interest in leadership roles, women’s rights, and social justice.
00:05:11-How did Ronit’s academic focus on women’s legal status shape her vision?
- Researched women’s leadership and legal status in Israel and Palestine.
- Advocated for civil marriage and women’s rights across religions.
- Explored hypothetical peace dynamics with more women leaders.
- Noted today’s lack of women in Israeli government compared to historic figures like Golda Meir.
00:07:59-How did Ronit’s career evolve toward health diplomacy?
- Mentored by feminist Professor Naomi Hazan.
- Five years at the Peres Center for Peace — organized youth projects across the Mediterranean.
- Learned the importance of personal relationships and “humanizing the other.”
- Founded Beyond Israel — consulting for women’s empowerment, human rights, peace.
- Launched AI-powered communication startup before volunteering for Project Rozana.
00:13:35-How did Ronit become CEO of Project Rozana?
- Transitioned from volunteer to CEO as relationships and trust were built.
- Helped establish the regional operations and affiliates in Australia, Canada, US.
- Secured funding from organizations like USAID and the British FCDO.
- Spent the first year mapping and understanding healthcare needs across communities.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Ronit Zimmer: Linkedin
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Profile
- Born in Melbourne, Australia.
- Moved to Tel Aviv 22 years ago with hopes of contributing to peace efforts.
- Grew up during the Oslo Accords era with optimism for a different Middle East.
- Now a mother of three teenagers; reflects on the region’s setbacks and optimism for change.
