Nearly 100 LGBTQ+ Jewish leaders representing 26 Federation communities traveled to Israel on a pride mission to build connections with the local queer community, learn about and support their struggle for greater rights, and bear witness to the horrors of the October 7th attacks and their aftermath. For 15 of them, it was their first visit to Israel.

“What unites this group is a shared commitment to create more inclusive Jewish spaces everywhere Jews gather,” said Jeff Schoenfeld, Vice Chair for Jewish Federations of North America. “We've come to Israel to demonstrate our unwavering support for the Israeli people and specifically the LGBTQ+ community that, like the rest of Israeli society, has shown incredible resilience through this period.”

During the trip, President of Israel Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog–who made history as the first president and first lady to attend a pride march in Israel this year–met with the group in Jerusalem.

"Acceptance and equality are central to the DNA of Israeli society. We have many members of the LGBTQ+ community who are prominent in all facets of Israeli life, and that's something we take great pride in,” President Herzog said. “Yes, there is still a huge pursuit of change, of breaking down barriers. I’m so glad you’re here to support this process, and I also want to thank the Jewish Federations of North America for being so supportive throughout this very painful, agonizing, but also hopeful period in our history."

During the trip, the group learned about Israel’s incredible progress advancing rights for the queer community, and also spoke with LGBTQ+ organizations fighting to further advance rights in sectors such as health care, family, civil rights. They also met with organizations providing mental health and material support for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Among many others, the group heard from LGBTQ+ members of the Orthodox Jewish community, the Arab community, and refugees, as well as parents of trans youth, and LGBTQ+ health providers.

As many LGBTQ+ people in Israel face vulnerabilities and isolation from family and community support networks, Jewish Federations Israel Emergency Funds have provided support for organizations that are providing care and community to LGBTQ+ Israelis struggling with the trauma and ongoing loss since October 7.

The group also had meaningful and emotional meetings with survivors of the October 7th attacks on Kibbutz Nir Oz, family members of hostages taken by Hamas, and visited the site of the NOVA festival massacre.
 

“Since 10/7, many queer spaces have been less welcoming to Jews,” said Nate Looney, Director of Community Safety and Belonging at Jewish Federations of North America’s Center for Jewish Belonging. “We knew that in this moment, the community would benefit from coming together in a place where they could openly be both queer and Jewish, while also supporting the queer community in Israel.”