Building Bridges Through the Universal Language of Health

 

For more than five decades, Ron Finkel AM has combined business leadership with a lifelong commitment to community service. From student activism and venture capital to founding international health organisations, his career has been guided by a belief that meaningful change comes through building relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration.

As founder and international chair of Rozana, Ron has helped establish a global organisation that uses health as a bridge between communities affected by conflict. Operating across eight countries, Rozana works to strengthen healthcare systems while fostering trust and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, a model that is now attracting international interest for its potential application in other regions experiencing conflict.

We spoke with Ron about the experiences that shaped his career, why health can become a powerful tool for peacebuilding and what continues to inspire him after more than 50 years of community leadership.

Tell us about your career journey.

I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1972 with degrees in law and commerce.

The political and social upheaval surrounding the Vietnam War, particularly on university campuses during the late 1960s and early 1970s, had a profound influence on me. It sparked my involvement in community activism and ultimately led to my election as President of the Australian Union of Jewish Students.

In late 1973, I was elected President of the World Union of Jewish Students, based in London. Representing Jewish students in major international forums cemented what has become a lifelong commitment to community leadership.

In 1977, my wife, family and I moved to Jerusalem, where we lived until returning to Australia in 1985.

Professionally, I entered what was then the emerging field of venture capital, eventually co-founding one of Australia's early venture capital funds in 1998. While I have now largely retired from that aspect of my career, it provided valuable experience in building organisations and backing innovative ideas.

Over the past three decades, my focus has increasingly shifted towards establishing and leading not-for-profit organisations. The most significant has been Rozana, which I founded in 2013.

Today, Rozana operates internationally with affiliates across eight countries and is establishing itself as a leader in health diplomacy. By using the universal language of healthcare, we work to build trust between communities experiencing conflict. While our initial focus has been Israel and Palestine, the model is now being explored for application in other conflict-affected regions around the world.

What inspires you in your work?

I've always been motivated by the opportunity to contribute to better outcomes for the community.

I've been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary colleagues—both volunteers and professionals—and to receive support from governments, foundations, donors and individuals who have shared that vision.

Over the past 13 years, my work with Rozana has reinforced my belief that health is one of the most powerful expressions of our common humanity.

Even in the most entrenched conflicts, healthcare creates opportunities for people to meet as professionals, patients and caregivers. In those moments, respect often replaces division.

I recently returned from Israel and Palestine, where I spent a week visiting Rozana's programs. From humanitarian work supporting people in Gaza to strengthening institutions that will underpin a future Palestinian health system, the breadth of the organisation's work continues to inspire me.

At 77, I still find it deeply humbling to be part of this journey.

I'm under no illusion about the political realities, but I remain optimistic because I've seen firsthand how health-based collaboration helps reduce the trust deficit that has existed for generations.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Patience.

It's a quality I've spent a lifetime trying to improve.

My late mother often reminded me of a comment from my Grade 3 teacher, who affectionately nicknamed me "Ronny Rush-pot". Her report said I was a good student who would do even better if I simply slowed down.

Looking back, there were certainly times when I acted before consulting others more broadly. While I feel I've achieved a great deal, a little more patience—and perhaps a little more humility—would have made some parts of the journey easier.

Is there a philosophy you live by?

Rather than a particular quote, I try to live with a simple question in mind.

If today were my last day, would I be able to look in the mirror knowing I'd made a meaningful contribution during my lifetime?

That perspective keeps me focused on purpose rather than outcomes alone.

At Rozana, we don't advocate for political solutions. Our role is to create opportunities for people to reconnect with their shared humanity.

Health diplomacy isn't for the faint-hearted, but it offers a pathway for those who believe trust can still be built—even in places where division has existed for decades.

What are you currently watching, reading or listening to?

I'm an enthusiastic podcast listener, particularly when it comes to history.

One of my favourites is The Rest Is History with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. They're exceptional storytellers, and each episode reminds me how deeply history shapes the world we live in today.

For me, history isn't simply about the past. It provides essential context for understanding today's challenges and making wiser decisions about the future.

Listening, for me, is another way of continuing to learn.