Gay israel

Contents

Out Magazine donned Israel “the gay capital of the Middle East,” and the country’s first LGBTQ organization, Aguda, opened its doors back in 1975. It’s one of 11 nations with a foreign chapter of the US-based PFLAG, and though a quasi-theocracy that doesn’t perform same-sex marriages within its borders, nearly 80 percent of the population supports the recognition of same-sex unions undertaken elsewhere. Israel is arguably the most gay-friendly country on the Asian and African continents, and LGBTQ rights in Israel are much better than those found in nearby nations. 

LGBTQ rights in Israel have always been ahead of the curve compared to the rest of the region. Lawmakers legalized same-sex relations in 1988, and outlawed sexual orientation discrimination in 1992. In 1994, Israel moved to recognize ‘unregistered cohabitation’, and in doing so, became the first country in Asia (since the Middle East is a transcontinental mass) to recognize same-sex unions. In 2008, officials granted same-sex couples full adoption rights, and LGBTQ people can serve openly in the military.

Trans rights in Israel also lean towards being relatively progressive. Individuals can change their legal gender without reassignment surgery, and are entitled to use public health insurance to pay for gender dysphoria treatments. Granted, a medical board must first give approval, which can sometimes prove trying, but the country’s stance is noteworthy compared to its neighboring nations.

So what’s the current state of gay rights in Israel? Even though religion – specifically Judaism – remains a significant socio-political force in an increasingly right-leaning country, gay and trans rights in Israel are infinitely better than those found in surrounding theocracies and democracies. Not only do non-married same-sex couples enjoy the same childcare tax benefits as their traditionally-partnered counterparts, but every violent crime motivated by sexual orientation is considered a hate crime, which doubles the punishment. According to the latest Gay Travel Index by Spartacus, Israel scored 7 in terms of its overall LGBTQ rights, with factors including antidescrimination legislation and non-hostile locals, putting the country ahead of other nations such as Australia, South Africa, and Italy. 

On the downside, since religion serves a structural societal pillar, same-sex marriage isn’t permitted. However, ceremonies performed elsewhere are recognized. For example, if two men or two women plan a destination wedding in Canada, the country will consider them a married couple, eligible for all the attendant benefits, upon return to Israel.

While gay rights in Israel are strong, the situation isn’t perfect. And while “yes” answers the question, the country has a vocal far-right constituency with a history of advocating against the LGBTQ community. Moreover, horrific episodes, including a 2009 youth center massacre and a 2015 pride stabbing, have punctuated the problems that gay, lesbian, and trans people still face in Israel. 

So is Israel safe for gay and lesbian travelers? Generally speaking, yes, it is — especially if you stick to certain cities, most notably Tel Aviv. The seaside city is a mashup of Miami Beach and San Francisco, with a heaving nightlife that often tops ‘best on the planet’ lists. Its good time cosmopolitan vibe has long attracted gay men, and as a result, today, Tel Aviv is regarded as one of the top gay destinations in the world.

Tel Aviv is especially happening during Pride week when hundreds of thousands of people take to the beaches and streets to celebrate. Interestingly, there isn’t a single gay area in Tel Aviv. Instead, LGBTQ life revolves around weekly parties (Party Lines), and gay-friendly and gay-owned venues are scattered throughout the city. So is Tel Aviv safe for gay and lesbian travelers? Absolutely! 

In most countries, the capital is usually thought to be the most LGBTQ-friendly city, so in the case of Israel, is Jerusalem safe for gay and lesbian travelers? Like Tel Aviv, yes, Jerusalem is generally safe for gay and lesbian travelers. Unlike Tel Aviv, however, Jerusalem is more conservative. Though the city has hosted Pride parades for decades, it’s not as large as the one in Tel Aviv, and a 2015 parade attack has dampened enthusiasm for the event in recent years.

So is Israel safe for gay and lesbian travelers? It is, and the experience is even more enjoyable when you stay at a gay-friendly hotel, vacation rental, or guest house – and that’s where misterb&b comes in. A worldwide LGBTQ travel booking site, misterb&b has hundreds of listings in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other Israeli cities. Incredible accommodations and life-long friendships are right around the corner, so find the perfect LGBTQ accommodation via misterb&b now, and experience a more welcoming world.

Gay tel aviv for beginners

Israel is without a doubt the best country in the Middle East for gay and lesbian individuals to live. Gay people can serve openly in the Israeli military. Additionally, Israeli governments have been promoting social equality for LGBT people for more than a decade. So it should come as no surprise that Israel’s capital of cool, Tel Aviv, where 25% of the population is estimated to be LGBT, has gained an international reputation as one of the world’s top destinations for gay men. Transgender and lesbian visitors are also openly welcome. If you haven’t yet added Tel Aviv to your travel itinerary, our Gay Tel Aviv for Beginners guide will have you looking at tickets in no time!

Gay in jerusalem

Das Jerusalemer Nachtleben ist berühmt für seine Vielfalt und bietet einen eklektischen Mix von hippen und alternativen Szenespots zum Entdecken. Die schwul-lesbische Szene Jerusalems mag zwar ruhiger sein als die berüchtigte Szene von Tel Aviv, aber es gibt dennoch einige Orte in der Stadt, in denen das Leben tobt.

Mit seinem hochironischen Namen ist die Mikveh Bar (eine Mikveh oder Mikwe ist eine rituelles Tauchbad) das Herz der Jerusalemer Gay-Szene. Auf der Shoshan Street inmitten des alternativen Viertels der Innenstadt Jerusalems gelegen, veranstaltet diese belebte Bar montags „Eleganza“, eine extravagante Drag Show und außerdem riesige wilde Parties an den Donnerstagen.

Weiterhin ist die gay-freundliche Video Bar zu empfehlen, die im russischen Viertel liegt und drei Kneipen umfasst: Hataklit, „Die Platte“, ein Ort für Liebhaber alternativer Klänge, HaKaseta, „Die Kassette“, eine hippe Studentenbar und Raash-Hour, „Das Radio“, ein Café mit eigener Internetradiostation.

Für einen ruhigeren Rückzugsort, welcher dennoch in der Nähe aller wichtigen Jerusalemer Sehenswürdigkeiten liegt, probieren Sie es mit dem Café Tmol Shilshom, das teils Buchladen, teils Café und teils einfach Ort zum Abhängen ist. Das Café ist etwas versteckt und über einen Hinterhof und eine Metaltreppe zu erreichen. Zentral für die lokale LGBT-Szene ist das „Open House Center“, eine Organisation, die Informationen bereitstellt, Beratung für die LGBT-Community anbietet und Pride-Events organisiert.

Man sollte im Hinterkopf behalten, dass durch den religiös und spirituell betonten Charakter der Stadt Jerusalem nicht so liberal wie der Rest von Israel ist. Daher ist es für Reisende aus der LGBT-Szene ratsam, in Jerusalem diskreter zu sein, besonders in orthodoxen religiösen Gegenden.

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Israel

Known as being one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the Middle East, Israel is steeped in history. In Jerusalem, a city where multiple religions collide, you’ll find biblical places intertwined with Islamic and Jewish heritage.

Floating in the Dead Sea is a must do on your trip to Israel as well as ascending to the top of Masada, an ancient fortification before its violent destruction as Jewish patriots attempted to fight off the Roman army. In bustling Tel Aviv you’ll find beaches and a city atmosphere that lends itself well to the climate. Promenades and beaches are alongside cafes and markets as well as being the hub of Israel’s gay culture.

Israel reaches record number of openly gay lawmakers

Israel swore in its latest openly gay lawmaker on Monday, marking a record for the country considered a regional pioneer on LGBT rights despite opposition from religious conservatives.

Yorai Lahav Hertzanu from the centrist Blue and White alliance became the latest politician to join the 120-seat Knesset, bringing to six the number of openly gay lawmakers.

All are men and represent parties from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party.

Lahav Hertzanu’s appointment came after a law change allowing ministers to leave their parliamentary seat and be replaced by another member of their own party.

Five percent of Israeli lawmakers are now openly gay, the fourth-highest figure in the world, according to political scientist Andrew Reynolds.

It comes "after Britain, 8.1 percent, Liechtenstein, 8 percent, and the Scottish parliament, 7.7 percent," said Reynolds, who directs an LGBT representative programme at the University of North Carolina in the United States.

Israel’s first LGBT lawmaker, Uzi Even, was appointed in 2002, and the community in the Jewish state has far more rights than those in most Middle Eastern countries.

Openly gay soldiers serve in the military, while Israel recognises same-sex marriages conducted abroad, and gay and lesbian couples have surrogacy rights.

"There have been very positive developments in recent decades," said Or Keshet from Israel’s leading LGBT organisation Aguda.

"It’s very encouraging that there are six lawmakers representing different parties from the community," he said, adding that their success made them role models for young people.

"But we expect all those elected to represent us and advance equal rights," said Keshet. "And there is still a lot to do."

While Tel Aviv’s Gay Pride parade usually draws huge crowds from around the world, the equivalent march in conservative Jerusalem is held under a heavy police presence.

Security was increased after the 2015 killing of Shira Banki, a teenager who was stabbed to death during the parade by ultra-Orthodox Jew Yishai Shlissel.

Several other people were wounded by Shlissel, who had been released just three weeks earlier after spending 10 years in prison for a similar attack.

Annual Gay Pride events in both cities have been cancelled this month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The day before last year’s parade, Netanyahu appointed Israel’s first openly gay minister.

Amir Ohana took on the justice portfolio, switching to public security as part of a new Netanyahu-led coalition sworn in last month.

Left-wing politician Itzik Shmuli, who is openly gay, also joined the government ranks as minister for social affairs.

They sit alongside Rafi Peretz, an Orthodox rabbi who last year endorsed controversial therapy to convert gay people to heterosexuality.

Peretz, who was education minister at the time, backtracked on his comments following protests.

While Aguda praised the record number of lawmakers, Keshet said the next step would be even greater diversity.

"We’ll love it when lesbians and trans people are also in parliament. That’s already the case in the United States," he said.

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Gay guide israel

Das Schutzalter liegt bei 16 Jahren. Schwule und Lesben in Israel genie�en die gleichen Freiheiten wie in vielen europ�ischen L�ndern. So gibt es seit 2002 die eingetragene Partnerschaft f�r Homosexuelle. Rechtlich sind diese in vielen Teilen der heterosexuellen Ehe gleichgestellt, so k�nnen Homosexuelle seit einem Urteil des Obersten Gerichts im Jahr 2006 Steuerprivilegien geltend machen oder das Recht der Adoption in Anspruch nehmen. Israel ist damit das Land im Nahen Osten, das im Bereich der Gleichstellung f�r Homosexuelle eine Vorreiterrolle einnimmt. Tel Aviv veranstaltet j�hrlich eine festliche Gay Pride, Regenbogen-Fahnen sind �berall in der Stadt zu sehen und es gibt ein von der Stadt gef�rdertes Gemeindezentrum f�r Homosexuelle. Es ist jedoch nicht alles so harmonisch wie es scheint. 2005 und 2015 wurden Teilnehmer beim Jerusalem Gay Pride verletzt, weil ein orthodoxer Jude mit einem Messer um sich gestochen hatte � er war erst wenige Wochen vor der zweiten Attacke 2015 aus dem Gef�ngnis entlassen worden. 2008 kommentierte ein Mitglied der ultraorthodoxen Shas Partei im Parlament, dass ein Erdbeben Gottesstrafe f�r die homosexuelle Aktivit�t sei. Der schlimmste Angriff gegen die homosexuelle Gemeinschaft in Israel fand am 2. August 2009 statt. Ein maskierter Bewaffneter t�tete zwei Menschen vor einem Zentrum f�r die homosexuelle Jugend in Tel Aviv. Elf Menschen wurden verletzt, vier davon schwer. Trotz der vereinzelten �bergriffe hat sich der Gay Pride in Tel Aviv �ber die Jahre hinweg zu einem gro�en Event entwickelt, dem mittlerweile rund 200.000 Besucher beiwohnen � ein Zeichen gesellschaftlicher Anerkennung. Der Protestmarsch der Schwulen und Lesben in Jerusalem ist nicht mit den Feierlichkeiten in Tel Aviv zu vergleichen. Im Jahr 2011 wurde der Gay Pride mit anderen Protestm�rschen, die die sozialen Bedingungen in Israel anprangern, zusammengef�hrt, so dass hier der politische Protest weitaus st�rker zum Ausdruck gebracht wird als in Tel Aviv.

Girl killed at jerusalem pride parade was murdered twice

When it comes to a peaceful march for granting equality to the LGBT community, the police let the people making threats win.

The High Court of Justice’s ruling on Be’er Sheva’s Gay Pride Parade, in which it denied a petition to overturn a police decision to change the parade’s route, is riddled with holes.

The first is the black hole regarding classified intelligence. As Justice Hanan Melcer wrote, despite the police’s earlier approval of the parade, they received information that raised concerns about life-endangering violence between “circles” opposing the event and “participants wishing to join the parade and rally who seek to protect themselves.”

This is how the ruling begins, under the cover of classified information, creating a false symmetry between those who oppose the parade and threaten it and those who seek to protect themselves.

We’ve never heard of violence by participants in Gay Pride parades. Since classified material was submitted to the court in camera, in the presence of only state prosecutors, we don’t know what the police told the judges – not regarding the threat of violence by opponents of the parade and not regarding the alleged “life-endangering” violence by those seeking to defend themselves. There was no explanation on how moving the route a few hundred meters would better protect the participants.

A second hole relates to arguments presented by the state that didn’t find their way into the court’s ruling. The state claimed that according to the internet there were numerous religious institutions along the parade route and that this could gravely offend religious sensibilities.

The state’s response to the petition claimed that there were a few synagogues along the route, as well as a Chabad center and a Bnei Akiva youth-movement clubhouse. The state must have done a Google search and found a few religious institutions nearby, using this to claim that the parade would hurt people’s feelings. But hurt feelings can never justify the harming of the rights of others.

A third hole lies in the lack of reference to pressure applied by the Be’er Sheva rabbi, who vociferously opposed the parade. In its response, the state denied that the police decision was reached after pressure was applied by the rabbi.

But the police’s decision came right after a meeting of rabbis headed by the municipal rabbi, who decided to take action to foil the parade. The justices asked state prosecutors about a meeting between the mayor, the district police commander and the rabbi, after which it was decided to reroute the parade. But they accepted the argument that this meeting was unrelated to the rerouting.

So what do we have here? Groundless arguments about “offended sensibilities” and threats, whether political ones by the municipal rabbi or threats of violence, concealed in classified material, as if this were a case of state secrets, all of which led to routing the parade from Be’er Sheva’s main street.

A year after the murder of Shira Banki at the Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade, the police are telling us that they can’t protect marchers and a march should be rerouted. They base this on a strange story that can’t be refuted because it rests on classified material and far-fetched claims of a risk of violence by participants seeking to defend themselves.

Thus the parade was rerouted and the organizers decided not to hold it at all. It was moved because the opposition by some circles to equality is defined as a sensibility that deserves protection, enabling damage to the struggle for equality.

This decision was based on creating a spurious symmetry between those wishing to demonstrate in their quest for equality and those wishing to thwart them. It was based on the puzzling stance taken by the police, who know how to protect provocative events in dangerous locations like the annual flag parade in East Jerusalem.

When it comes to a peaceful march for granting equality to the LGBT community, the police let the people making threats win. Thus, while the prime minister, in his speeches abroad, continues to tout the fact that Israel holds Gay Pride parades and has a vibrant LGBT community, the murderer Yishai Schlissel has won and Shira Banki has been murdered again.

Still, as we learned in our struggle to hold a Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem, and to borrow from the Jewish partisans’ song, “Our march will thunder on, we are here.”

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israel tel aviv, das paradies für homosexuelle

Der Israeli mit österreichischen Wurzeln war bis im vergangenen Jahr ein Offizier in einem Artillerieregiment. Dabei versuchte er anfangs dem Militärdienst aufgrund seiner sexuellen Orientierung zu entgehen.

„Ich kann nicht dienen, ich bin schwul“, sagte er einem Offizier, einem Rabbiner mit langem Bart. Niemand, dem man besondere Toleranz bei diesem Thema zutraut. Doch der Oberst antwortete trocken: „Kein Problem. Da sind sie in guter Gesellschaft, die halbe Armee ist schwul.“

Schwierig sei die Lage vor allem in den Palästinensergebieten. Die Vorbehalte vieler Muslime machen ein offenes Ausleben von Homosexualität so gut wie unmöglich. Doch auch dort formiert sich immer mehr Widerstand gegen ihre Tabuisierung. Überall im Land und auch auf palästinensischem Boden gebe es mittlerweile Nichtregierungs-Organisationen, die für die gesellschaftliche Anerkennung von Schwulen und Lesben kämpfen.

Paraden wie die in Tel Aviv seien nur die Speerspitze der Bewegung, sagt auch Shai Deutsch. 17 Gay-Festivals gibt es in verschiedenen Städten Israels pro Jahr. Die Gay Pride Parade ist das größte davon. Deutsch meint, dass man zwar viel erreicht habe, das Ziel einer offenen Gesellschaft mit gleichen Rechten für Homo- wie Heterosexuelle aber noch fern sei. Er kämpft weiter und ist überzeugt: „Man kann uns nicht aufhalten.“

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Tel aviv gay nightlife

Tel Aviv’s nightlife is generally regarded as among the best in the world. This is particularly the case when it comes to gay establishments. One reason gay nightlife in Tel Aviv is so exciting is that the Tel Aviv gay scene revolves around weekly parties, rather than specific bars or clubs like most cities around the world.

This isn’t to say that certain gay bars in Tel Aviv aren’t extremely popular. Shpagat is one of Tel Aviv’s most popular gay bars, with a vibrant crowd seven days per week. It’s only several blocks from the trendy Rothschild Boulevard. Some visit prior to whatever party is going on that night, while others stay there all evening. If the drinks, music, and crowd are interesting, why leave?

Even if you don’t plan to stay there, Shpagat is a great place to figure out what’s going on later in the night. Both bartenders and fellow bargoers can give you an overview of the parties that are happening. If you’re lucky, you might even get put on the VIP list for free entry.

Once you arrive at the venue for the party, be prepared for a night unlike any other. Tel Aviv parties tend to be large – one of the wildest venues is at the Bloq, a large arena located near the Tel Aviv bus station. Israelis know how to let loose like no other people in the world, so prepare for balagan. Copious amounts of alcohol, dancing, and other fun things can always be found.

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Gay beaches in tel aviv

Tel Aviv’s nightlife isn’t the only reason why millions of tourists from around the world flock here each year. The city’s incredible Mediterranean beaches have also received international acclaim. They boast crystal clear waters, white sands, and an astounding number of attractive people soaking up the sun.

While you’ll be welcome at nearly every beach in Tel AvivHilton Beach. It sits just in front of the Hilton Tel Aviv hotel. Although heterosexual people come to this beach as well, you can expect most of your fellow patrons to be gay. Single men, couples, and groups of friends alike flock to Hilton Beach to enjoy sun, sand, and surf.

Hilton Beach tends to be most crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. This is the weekend in Israel. If you aren’t looking to flirt or socialize, avoid visiting Hilton Beach these days and go during the week instead. Then the beach is empty enough that you can focus your energy on catching rays or swimming.

Tel Aviv’s Hilton Beach is a quick cab ride from anywhere in the Tel Aviv area. Or, if you’re staying in central Tel Aviv, you can walk to the beach. Simply head north on Dizengoff Street until you hit Jabotinsky Street, then take a left and walk down to the water.

Tel aviv gay pride

Tel Aviv hosts the only public gay pride parade in the entire Middle East. It is held annually on the first weekend of June. As being gay is legal and mostly accepted in Israel, locals and visitors alike hold nothing back in the parade, which is a wild party in and of itself. Expect lots of sexy men dancing on floats and in the crowd, as well as drag queens and queer people of all sorts.

Tel Aviv Pride has quickly become one of the most popular pride events in the entire world. Numbers sometimes hit more than 100,000 people, both Israeli and foreign. The parade is typically kicked off by Tel Aviv’s mayor and travels through the heart of the city. It ends at the Tel Aviv Beach – in particular, Hilton Beach and Gordon Beach. An afterparty at Charles Clore Park keeps the energy alive.

The best part of Tel Aviv pride is not the parade itself, but the fact that Tel Aviv’s gay nightlife gets even wilder during pride! Not only will bars and clubs be packed to the gills, but you can expect a dramatic increase in the number of parties, as well as the number of people you’ll find there. The most difficult part about attending Tel Aviv pride is choosing which of the many Pride events in Tel Aviv best suits you.

Joining a Tel Aviv Pride Package Tour is the best way to experience all of the amazing attractions that Israel has to offer while celebrating Pride and packing in the festivities. Everything is planned out for you, from hotels to activities and tours. You just come with your suitcase and your best Pride look, and get ready to have the experience of a lifetime.

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Acceptance of the lbtq+ community in tel aviv

Israel is without a doubt the most accepting and open Middle Eastern country when it comes to gay people. Being openly gay in Israel perfectly legal. Additionally, public opinion about gay rights is decidedly positive. Although it is always possible (yet extremely rare) to experience discrimination, you are not likely to encounter more than the occasional stray comment or dirty look. All hotels in Tel Aviv are gay friendly, and its safe to say the same for most restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores – definitely the ones which visitors to the city are likely to visit. Openly gay travelers are also welcomed to regular tours around Israel without any expectation to join separate groups. Special gay pride tours are offered, however, during the Pride Week.

The queer community is very visible in Tel Aviv, and not shy about PDA. If you enjoy an evening stroll along Ben Tsion Boulevard, for example, it’s common to see gay couples and families walking right along with straight ones. Gender queer couples are almost ubiquitous as straight ones, depending on which part of the city you’re in.

The best part of homosexuality being so tolerated in Tel Aviv is that Israelis tend to be very open about their feelings for you. While you might spend hours in another city wondering “Are they or aren’t they?”, you’ll learn very quickly whether an Israeli is into you. If they are, they may simply join you at your table.

Indeed, whether you come to Tel Aviv for the gay nightlife, to lie on a gay beach, to experience gay pride, or just to enjoy the company of fellow gays, there is perhaps no better gay destination in the Middle East and very few others in the world.

Insider tips – gay tel aviv for beginners

Below we offer some tips from the community and frequent visitors to help you make the most of your time in the city. Following locals can be a great way to get insider tips.

Jason Wood: “Tel Aviv is really an amazing place and a one of a kind LGBTQ community because you can walk around everywhere, be yourself 100% without judgment, and feel accepted by everyone around you.”

Laila Lesnikov: ” I think every city should learn from Tel Aviv a bit about accepting differences and listening to others. Tel Aviv should be a role model for every city. The diversity here is inspiring, and you feel it. It’s more than just the LGBTQ people, it’s a part of the culture here.”

Tel Aviv offers many activities and different ways of experiencing the city. Whether you are a party animal or you prefer relaxing and soaking up the sun at the gay beach, it doesn’t matter because there are so many ways to feel the vibe of Tel Aviv.

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Israel feiert pride

In der vergangenen Woche haben in Jerusalem bereits zwischen 10.000 und 15.000 Menschen in der Pride Parade für Gleichberechtigung und mehr LGBTQ-Rechte in Israel demonstriert. Begleitet wurden die Teilnehmer von mehr als 2.000 Polizisten – seitdem 2015 die 16-Jährige Shira Banki von einem ultra-Orthodoxen Fanatiker erstochen wurde, sind die Sicherheitsvorkehrungen auf der Jerusalemer Pride extrem…

Transgender-kunstausstellung: „niemand sollte leiden, weil er so ist, wie er ist“

Zwei Tel Aviver Künstlerinnen kämpfen für mehr Akzeptanz für Andersdenkende. Im Zentrum ihrer Ausstellung stehen Transgender-Menschen, die auch in Israel immer noch Gewalt und Ausgrenzung erleben… Von Zo Flamenbaum Als im vergangenen Sommer zwei junge Israelis, beide identifizierten sich als Transgender, in Tel Aviv ermordet wurden, trieb das die LGBTQ-Community auf die Strassen: Mit Regenbogenfahnen…

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Gay-parade in diesem jahr grösser als je zuvor

Tel Avivs jährlich stattfindende Gay-Pride-Parade fühlt sich für Einwohner und Besucher wie ein nationaler Feiertag an. Überall hängen die Regenbogenfahnen (selbst an offiziellen Gebäuden) und die ganze Stadt scheint eine einzige Party für Toleranz und Gleichberechtigung zu sein. Neben den Wagen, die auf der Ben Yehuda Strasse und am Strand Musik und gute Laune verbreiten,…

Lgbtqi-community verlangt gleiche rechte

Die Teilnehmer der Gay-Pride-Parade forderten gleiche Rechte für Schwule, Lesben, Bi- und Transsexuelle, Queere und Intersexuelle (LGBTQI). Tel Avivs Bürgermeister Ron Chuldai sagte: "Ich verspreche euch, dass wir nicht aufgeben und dass wir weiter kämpfen werden, bis wir die volle Gleichberechtigung im Staat Israel sehen."

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Viertelmillion menschen auf den straßen

Rund 250.000 Teilnehmer waren nach Angaben der Stadt in diesem Jahr bei der Gay-Pride-Parade dabei. Für Sicherheit sorgten Hunderte Polizisten. Vor vier Jahren hatte einstrengreligiöser Jude bei der Gay-Pride-Parade in Jerusalem eine 16-Jährige erstochen.

Lgbtqi grundsätzlich akzeptiert

Die Akzeptanz unterschiedlicher sexueller Orientierungen ist in Israel recht weit fortgeschritten. Gleichgeschlechtliche Paare können jedoch nicht heiraten, und es gibt Probleme bei Adoption und Leihmutterschaft. Strengreligiöse Parteien haben zudem großen Einfluss in der Regierung von Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu.

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Avi maoz, head of noam faction in religious zionism, will bring with him radical ideology bent on blocking expansion of gay rights under slogan ‘israel chooses to be normal’

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel’s US correspondent based in New York

Exit poll results published late Tuesday indicated that the far-right Religious Zionism party will win up to seven seats in the elections, bringing several extremist politicians into the Knesset, including Avi Maoz, head of the anti-LGBT Noam faction.

With so much focus on the neo-Kahanist Otzma Yehudit’s presence on the Religious Zionism slate, which was cobbled together by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the presence of Maoz and his anti-gay agenda has largely flown under the radar.

If he indeed gets into the Knesset, Maoz, the party’s No. 6 candidate, will present a challenge for the country, which has actively worked to portray itself as an LGBT-friendly oasis in the Middle East.

Maoz’s Noam party burst onto the political scene in 2019 with a series of provocative highway billboards and video ads with the slogan “Israel chooses to be normal.” The party claims that the LGBT community has “forced its agenda” on the rest of Israeli society, which believes in a “normal” (heteronormative) family structure.

It has also likened LGBT and Reform Jews to the Nazis: A 2019 campaign video compares Reform Jews, left-wing activists and gay rights advocates to Nazis and Palestinian suicide bombers, saying all of them “want to destroy us.”

The extremist party enjoys the express backing of Rabbi Tzvi Tau, the founder of the hardline Har Hamor Yeshiva in Jerusalem. The 81-year-old has been a leading voice in the national religious community against LGBT acceptance. In 2017, he wrote that homosexuality is the “ugliest deviation, which breaks down family life… and contradicts the first basis of human existence.”

The party merged with Otzma Yehudit ahead of the September 2019 election, but failed to cross the threshold. It then ran independently ahead of the March 2020 election before dropping out days before the race.

Ahead of this election, thanks in no small part to immense pressure from Netanyahu, Noam merged with both Otzma Yehudit and Bezalel Smotrich’s National Union to run as the joint Religious Zionism alliance. The premier even freed up a spot on Likud’s list for a National Union candidate as he sought to prevent any right-wing votes, no matter how radical, from being wasted.

Even if the exit polls prove inaccurate, Maoz could yet make it into the Knesset through the so-called Norwegian Law, which allows ministers to resign from Knesset, thereby allowing candidates lower down the slate to enter instead.

Maoz, 64, served as director of the interior and housing ministries under ministers Natan Sharansky and Effi Eitam, respectively, from 1999-2001. Beyond the LGBT issue, Maoz campaigned on “strengthening the Jewish character of the State of Israel” by having stricter national observance of Shabbat, strengthening the Orthodox Rabbinate’s monopoly over religious life, injecting religious law into broader society and promoting “family values.”

In an interview with the Makor Rishon national religious weekly earlier this month, Maoz explained his concern regarding current social trends in Israel.

“There is an attempt to engineer our consciousness, to change our concepts. Until a decade ago, you could ask any child: ‘What is a family?’ He would tell you, ‘A father, a mother and children.’ You could ask him, ‘What is the nation of Israel?’ Every child once knew what is a Jew and what is a goy.”

He told the newspaper that the greatest strength of women is to get married and have children. Maoz is also against women serving in the IDF.

“The State of Israel is first and foremost Jewish and only afterward democratic,” he told Makor Rishon.

The anti-LGBT sentiment can be found at the top of the list as well, with Smotrich calling out “LGBT culture” and comparing gay marriage to incest just last week.

Such attitudes could set up a clash with a senior Likud figure, Netanyahu ally and Public Security Minister Amir Ohana, who is openly gay.

Smotrich, who has a history of controversial statements on the issue, was asked in an Army Radio interview last week for his reaction to comments made by his far-right party’s No. 11 candidate, Eldad Rabinovich. Rabinovich had spoken out against Ohana and said the Religious Zionism party would work to “restore naturalness” to Israeli society.

The interview quickly turned hostile as Smotrich refused repeatedly to answer whether he views Ohana as “natural.” The Religious Zionism leader said he respects Ohana as a human being and considers him a friend, but has a “debate over values” with him and the broader LGBT community.

One of the Army Radio interviewers then called Smotrich and his party “racist” for refusing to grant equal rights to the community.

“Yes, there are individual rights and those are important, but beyond that, there are also values and public interests. There is also a social structure that can and should be debated,” he shot back. “You and your friends’ inability to demonstrate tolerance for my views — you are a thousand times more radical than me.”

As The Times of Israel’s environment reporter, I try to convey the facts and science behind climate change and environmental degradation, to explain – and critique – the official policies affecting our future, and to describe Israeli technologies that can form part of the solution.

I am passionate about the natural world and disheartened by the dismal lack of awareness to environmental issues shown by most of the public and politicians in Israel.

I’m proud to be doing my part to keep Times of Israel readers properly informed about this vital subject – which can and does effect policy change.

Your support, through membership in The Times of Israel Community, enables us to continue our important work. Would you join our Community today?

We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.

That’s why we come to work every day – to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.

For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.

Major roads to be blocked for 20th annual parade friday, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of revelers

Much of Tel Aviv will shut down on Friday as hundreds of thousands of Israelis are expected to flock to the streets to celebrate the city’s 20th annual Gay Pride Parade.

The parade is the region’s biggest gay pride event, showcasing Israel’s place as a rare beacon for LGBT rights in the Middle East.

The parade, expected to draw at least as many people as the 200,000 who attended last year’s event, is scheduled to take place from noon to 7 p.m.

The colorful parade will commence at Ben Zion Boulevard in southwestern Tel Aviv, and proceed to the beachfront, along Bograshov, HaYarkon, Frishman, and Herbert Samuel streets before concluding at Charles Clore Park, where a party is to be held into the evening.

Many of Tel Aviv’s largest streets will be blocked to traffic starting at 8:30 a.m., including along Allenby, King George, Hashmonaim, and Ben Yehuda streets.

Police said hundreds of officers and volunteers will be dispatched along the parade’s route and around the gathering areas to secure the revelers, direct traffic, and maintain public order.

The police statement also said no weapons will be allowed into the parade area. Glass bottles, bicycles, animals, and drones will similarly be banned.

Various artists will perform during the parade, including singers, bands, and drag artists. One of the main shows will be by Netta Barzilai, the Israeli winner of the 2018 Eurovision song contest.

In 2017, the Tel Aviv Pride Parade was briefly held up when pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the route.

Other Israeli cities are also planning pride parades over the summer, including Jerusalem, where the heavily secured event has grown in recent years.

As The Times of Israel’s environment reporter, I try to convey the facts and science behind climate change and environmental degradation, to explain – and critique – the official policies affecting our future, and to describe Israeli technologies that can form part of the solution.

I am passionate about the natural world and disheartened by the dismal lack of awareness to environmental issues shown by most of the public and politicians in Israel.

I’m proud to be doing my part to keep Times of Israel readers properly informed about this vital subject – which can and does effect policy change.

Your support, through membership in The Times of Israel Community, enables us to continue our important work. Would you join our Community today?

We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.

That’s why we come to work every day – to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.

For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.

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Que su recuerdo sea una bendición.

Egregio Onorevole, il Congresso Mondiale degli Ebrei GLBT+ segue con molta attenzione il dibattito sulla legge contro l’omotransfobia in Italia.

L’ostruzionismo parlamentare alla sua approvazione proviene, non per caso, dalla stessa parte politica che nel 2014 e 2018 propose di abrogare la Legge Mancino. Anche allora appellandosi al diritto di opinione.

Oggi più che mai la nostra società ha bisogno di tutelare le minoranze, i più deboli, esposti all’odio e alla discriminazione. Noi ebrei glbt+ saremo sempre al fianco di chi ha bisogno di sostegno e protezione.

Onorevole Zan, caro Alessandro, a nome del nostro Presidente Gustavo Michanie, che in questi giorni sta combattendo contro il Covid-19, di tutte le attiviste e gli attivisti della nostra organizzazione e a nome mio personale, ti manifestiamo la nostra solidarietà e il nostro sostegno per il lavoro che dovrai/dovremo affrontare nelle prossime settimane al Senato della Repubblica, sicuri che anche oggi, come fu nel 2016 riusciremo a vincere un’altra battaglia per tutte e tutti noi, e garantire una vita migliore alle generazione che verranno.

IL VICE PRESIDENTE DELWORLD CONGRESS OF GLBT JEWSSerafino Marco Fiammelli

4. Select: World Congress of Gay Lesbian and B Isexual Jewish Organizations Inc (Amazon’s typo)

Amazon donates one-half of 1% of your purchase amounts when you select the World Congress as your non-profit and use bear-magazine.com to make purchases.

TRANSGENDER DAY of REMEMBRANCEThe World Congress of GLBT Jews: Keshet Ga’avah hosted with Keshet

Keshet a virtual Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial Service and Panel Discussion on Thursday, November 19, 2020.

This memorable program was a call to action and featured a short memorial service led by Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael, Keshet’s Director of Education and Training followed by a panel discussion moderated by Ian Brown, At-Large member of WCGLBTJ Steering Committee.

Panelists included Eliana Golberstein Rubashkyn, a Columbian born New Zealander and former stateless refugee. (Eliana was the first case of gender recognition in the world with a U.N. resolution under the international refugee statute of 1951.) and Rabbi Leiah Moser, the rabbi of Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Israel of Ridgewood, NJ.

Judah 177

Entdecke mit misterb&b eine einladendere Welt. Von privaten Zimmern und Apartments bis hin zu LGBTQ-freundlichen Hotels bietet sich dir die Möglichkeit, entweder im Herzen der Schwulenviertel oder in anderen Stadtteilen der von dir besuchten Städte zu übernachten. Ein Loft in Soho, ein Mehrbettzimmer in Barcelona oder im Castro, ein schwulenfreundliches Hotel im Marais oder in Chelsea – erlebe misterb&b in allen schwulen Reisezielen! Aktiviere die Verbindungsoption in deinem Profil und verbinde dich mit anderen misterb&b-Reisenden an deinem Reiseziel oder in deinem Hotel! misterb&b is not affiliated, endorsed, or otherwise associated with Airbnb.

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Gay tel aviv beach tips

When visiting Hilton Beach, you can rent an umbrella and chair. The best way is to go classic, bring a towel and hang out on the beach. It’s good all day, all the time. During Pride Week, at the Hilton Beach, every day there is a different DJ spinning on the beach, setting the mood. Speedos are welcome! If you’re feeling brave, ditch the bikini top and dazzle the other patrons. After spending the day on the sand and in the sea, the perfect way to end the day is to go up the hill to the grassy area near the hotel and enjoy an amazing view of the sunset. Bring blankets, snacks, and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

Gay tel aviv bars tips

One of the hottest spots in the scene is La Boheme, but we have another new favorite: Gagarin in Tel Aviv. Ironically one of the gayest neighborhoods didn’t have a gay bar until now. It’s an independently curated dance club, and the perfect spot to let loose and dance to the newest sounds on the scene. Not to be missed, it’s a great spot for any first-time visitor to Tel Aviv. Another must-visit is Shpagat, a local favorite with chill vibes and good drinks. It’s a nice spot around 21:00 to enjoy some small bites and a drink before getting the night started.

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Gay tel aviv workout tips

In Tel Aviv there are many outdoor gym spaces along the beach. These gyms are free to use and are a great place to get in a quick workout. Running along the beach is also one of the best ways to stay in shape, as demonstrated by the bronzed and chiseled bodies running along the shore. It’s also not a bad place to meet someone for an evening of fun.

For beginners enjoying their first visit to Tel Aviv, Pride in Israel is an unforgettable experience unlike any other city in the world!

Gay group trip: israel and jordan culture and heritage

Israel is the spiritual and cultural capital of the three great monotheistic religions. It was taken over by the major empires: Roman, Ottoman and British. It drew the Crusaders from Europe. So much of the history of the last two…

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Gay group trip: israeli history, heritage and pride

Israel is the same size as Wales. It’s not a big country but it’s packed with culture and history. The three major monotheistic religions converge in Jerusalem. There are so many biblical ruins to see it can overwhelming. On this…

Gay travel index

Amsterdam Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Bremen Brighton Brussels Buenos Aires Chicago Columbus Denver D�sseldorf Frankfurt Freiburg Hannover Hamburg K�ln Las Vegas Lisbon London Los Angeles Manchester Mannheim Melbourne Miami Beach Minneapolis Montr�al M�nchen New Orleans New York Orlando Palm Springs Paris Perth Philadelphia Phuket Praha Rome San Diego San Francisco Stuttgart Toronto Vancouver Wien Z�rich

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The country has a liberal stance towards gay life.

Same-sex marriage in Israel still isn’t legal, and civil ceremony doesn’t exist at all. Israel does, however, recognise same-sex marriage outside of its borders. Discrimination by employers based on sexuality was made illegal in 1992. A year later, gay, lesbian and bisexual people could be part of the military while remaining open about their sexuality. It’s still far from equal, but it is by far the most ‘cosmopolitan’ part of the Middle East.

The city houses plenty of gay nightlife. Evita bar hosts plenty of different things, including Eurovision karaoke, drag, hip hop and soul nights. It’s a very popular gay bar, always full of happily inebriated partygoers. World class DJ Offer Nissim is also from Tel Aviv and the city has a vibrant dance scene. Hilton Beach has become Tel Aviv’s unofficial gay sunbathing spot, and the waves are perfect for surfing if you fancy showing off.

The city of Tel Aviv is a hub of life, and its first Pride Parade took place in 1998. Over the years, more and more people have joined together in the streets of Tel Aviv to celebrate the LGBT community until eventually, in 2014, the after-parade party had to be moved to a bigger beach. The Parade is a day of loud festivities, community and appreciation, and still continues to be bigger and better each year.

Coming round again on 3rd June 2016, the masses will march under the slogan ‘Tel Aviv Loves All Genders’. This focus on the transgender community will celebrate their integral role in Israeli society, as well as pledging support for equal rights.

Out Of Office provides a gay group trip to Israel, ending with a stay in Tel Aviv. The city is famous for its flea markets as well as its vibrant nightlife, so you can find plenty to see and do. And if you get the chance, the Gay Pride Parade is an incredible, overwhelming experience to be a part of.

You’ll also want to make sure you check out historic Jerusalem whilst you’re in the country to see where religions collide and also the incredible history of UNESCO world heritage sites like Masada before taking a swim (or a float!) in the Dead Sea.

Check out our full range of Israel trips with Out Of Office.

Die veranstaltung soll dieses jahr virtuell gefeiert werden

Tel Aviv hat die im nächsten Monat geplante Gay-Pride-Parade wegen der Corona-Krise auf unbestimmte Zeit verschoben. Eine Sprecherin der Stadt teilte am Sonntag mit, angesichts der Pandemie hätten die Veranstalter der vier größten Pride-Paraden in Israel – Haifa, Jerusalem, Beerscheva und Tel Aviv – gemeinsam beschlossen, diese vorerst zu verschieben.

Im vergangenen Jahr hatten rund 250.000 Menschen an dem Ereignis teilgenommen und gleiche Rechte für Schwule, Lesben, Bi- und Transsexuelle (LGBT) gefordert. 

Man hoffe aber, sie noch später in diesem Sommer nachholen zu können, sagte sie, ohne konkrete Daten zu nennen. »Der Pride-Monat Juni wird trotzdem durch virtuelle Ereignisse gefeiert werden.«

Israels Gay-Pride-Parade zieht jedes Jahr zahlreiche Besucher aus aller Welt an. Im vergangenen Jahr hatten rund 250.000 Menschen an dem Ereignis teilgenommen und gleiche Rechte für Schwule, Lesben, Bi- und Transsexuelle (LGBT) gefordert.  dpa

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