Published: 4 March 2025
Last updated: 9 May 2025
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $4 million grant from the Australian government to the Palestinian-Israeli health diplomacy organisation Rozana, a landmark investment in peacebuilding by an Australian government.
Founded by Australian Ron Finkel, Rozana works to address health gaps in the region and foster relationships between Israelis and Palestinians through healthcare.
The grant is the first major investment Rozana has received from the Australian government. Investment in grassroots peacebuilding initiatives is seen to be one of the few ways in which middle powers such as Australia could contribute to resolving the conflict.
Chair of Rozana Australia Lee Ann Basser told The Jewish Independent that securing the funding was an “extraordinary milestone” for the organisation and a “statement of confidence in health diplomacy as a tool for building peace”.
“The announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a powerful statement that healthcare can be a unifying force in conflict-affected regions,” Basser said.
“Healthcare transcends politics – it is a human right, and by bringing Israeli and Palestinian health professionals together, we are fostering collaboration that not only saves lives today but also lays the groundwork for a more peaceful future.”
The funding was announced at a private event at The Lodge to an audience of Jewish, Muslim and Christian representatives bussed down from Sydney for the occasion. In a clear recognition of the sensitivity of any issue related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, attendees were instructed not to share details of the event publicly.
