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Pride in Israel Itinerary
June Trip  June 16th 2008 - MondayWelcome Home!Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport
Opening ceremony on the beautiful beaches of Tel Aviv
Hotel check in
Tour and gallery hopping in the chic quarter of Neve Tzedek
Your first taste of Tel Aviv night life Accommodation: Tel Aviv
June 17th 2008 - Tuesday Oh Jerusalem!Scenic drive to Jerusalem; following in the footsteps of our ancestors
LGBT politics in Israel at the Jerusalem Open House, Jerusalem's LGBT community center
Stunning view of the Old City from the Tayelet Promenade
Sightseeing in the Old City of Jerusalem
Meeting with the Women of the Wall
Optional Judaica/Israeli shopping on Ben Yehuda Street
Discussion on the topic of Judaism and homosexuality
Visit to Tmol Shilshom: gay -owned bookshop, café and cultural center
Accommodation: Jerusalem
 June 18th 2008 - WednesdayQueer & Jewish HistoryYad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust survivor testimony
Mt. Herzl: heroes of war, peace & politics, special memorial at Rabin's grave
Lunch at Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda food market
Hadassah Hospital; visit the trauma center and the Chagall Windows
Return to hotel for a bit of a rest
Cocktail hour at YJ Impact! Center: meet the first gay married couple in Jerusalem
Presentation: Programs and Services for Young adults visiting or living in Israel
Explore the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender nightlife in Jerusalem Accommodation: Jerusalem June 19th 2008 - ThursdayFrom High to Low: Jerusalem to the Dead SeaIsrael Update: Get the latest on what's going on from a place that changes every second
Drive to the Dead Sea (the lowest place on earth!)
Ein Gedi: Hike to the Oasis in the desert
Shop for Dead Sea beauty products
Dead Sea spa
Drum circle and BBQ dinner Accommodation: Dead Sea
June 20th 2008 - FridayMasada: Heroes, Harlots, and Everything in Between
Climb or take cable car up Masada for sunrise
Discussion: "Taking it to the Limit: Masada Heroes and their Last Stand"
Lunch among the Desert People: Camel riding and Bedouin hospitality
Drive to Tel Aviv
Kabbalat Shabbat in Synagogue Beit Daniel (Reform)
Optional night out on the town in Tel Aviv
Accommodation: Tel Aviv
June 21st 2008 - Saturday Shabbat in the Promised Land: Not your Grandmother's idea of Shabbat
Life's a Beach: Rest, lay out and enjoy the sun
Meet with Klaf; feminist lesbian community
Panel on LGBT issues, including teenagers, the army, and families
Havdalah in Rabin Square and visit to the Memorial
Cocktail hour
Dance Performance at the Dalal Center
Accommodation: Tel Aviv
 June 22nd 2008 - SundayLove in the Mountains: Coexistence in IsraelDrive to Haifa and the stunning Carmel Mountains
Scenic view of the Haifa bay area
Beit Hagefen Haifa (Center for coexistence): discussion on the Arab-Israeli conflict and hear from a gay Arab-Israeli
Lunch and shopping in the Druze market
Tree Planting in the Pride Forest near Carmiel with representatives from the Open House of the Galilee
Dinner and evening program at Klil : Eco-spiritual commune of the Galilee
Accommodation: North
June 23rd 2008 - Monday In the footsteps of the Kabala: Israel's NorthVisit the spiritual city of Safed (birthplace of Kabbalah): tour the city and its many Jewish art galleries
Drive to Bental Mountain
Discussion: "Israel, Syria and the Future of the Golan"
Wine tasting at the Golan vineyards
Kayaking on the Jordan River
Naot Mordechai: Outlet shop at Israel's world famous comfy shoe/sandal factory
Early Israeli feminism: The Kinneret cemetery
Hot Springs at Hammat Gader
Accommodation: North
 June 24th 2008 - TuesdayThe White City: Modern Tel AvivDrive to Tel Aviv
Visit the old city of Jaffa
Antiquing in Jaffa's flea market
Coffee and shopping in Shenkin and Nachlat Binyamin, the city's chic boutiques
Meet a queer member of the Tel Aviv city council.
Watch "Walking on Water" - meet with producer and director (and long time partners) - Gal Ochovski and Eitan Fox
The Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
Last chance to party: Evita (hot night spot)
Accommodation: Tel AvivJune 25th 2008 - WednesdayNever Gonna Say Goodbye
What does it mean to be an independent nation? Independence Hall
Explore Tel Aviv for the last time on your own
Farewell dinner and wrap-up
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
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A Personal Experience
by Paul Barnes, June 07"No, don't go!" was my mother's immediate response when I told her I was planning a week-long trip to Israel. Part of me felt the same. But the overwhelming excitement of visiting this tiny strip of Mediterranean land that has played such a huge part in western history won out.
The thing about Israel is: it's not what you expect. Security at El Al proved more of a dream than a nightmare. In clear contrast to most western airport procedure, everything was done with a smile and genuine friendliness so that you actually wanted to be searched 4 times.
The first shock on arriving in Tel Aviv is that it's not the ancient stone city you thought it was going to be. In 2009 it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
That's right - just 100 years old. It's a huge, bustling, modern city flowing from sparkling white wide beach that pulsates with life day and night.
"Where's all the religion?" is your first thought.  "Ah" , said our guide "Jerusalem's for religion. Tel Aviv's for partying". So party we did. Tel Aviv Pride march attracted 35,000 people in 90 degree sunshine who partied away all afternoon on the beach. And FFF club, hosting the official party, was so packed you couldn't move, even to cheer Dana International.
The religion was in Jerusalem. Our morning in the stunning (architecturally and emotionally) holocaust museum, built into the side of a hill overlooking Jerusalem, was made even more poignant when we dedicated a wreath of the homosexuals murdered by the Nazis.
Now, Jerusalem was old. And it had religion - in every corner and crevice. Christians in an array of sects and costumes at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; Orthodox Jews nodding at the Wailing Wall; Muslims wailing from the minarets; and God knows what other religions we missed. But it has charm and just oozes history.
Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on their own would have been a great holiday, But we squeezed in so much more. Floating on the Dead Sea; covering ourselves with Dead Sea mud; driving through the occupied territories and onto the Golan Heights to look down over the Sea of Galilee; visiting the site of the sermon on the mount; planting trees in Pride Forest in a Kibbutz; walking around ancient Jaffa and modern Haifa; and meeting brave gay councillors who risk their lives fighting for the right for a Pride march through Jerusalem.
But the most wonderful thing about Israel is the people. The boys are gorgeous and everyone wants to be your friend. Just not what you would expect. We will be back. |
First Same-Sex Marriage Recognized in Israel
 Shalom, my name is Avi Rose and I am on the faculty of Young Judaea's Year Course in Jerusalem. In 2002 I decided to leave Toronto and make Israel my home. Though there are many people and things that I miss about the "Old Country" (mostly related to family, food and shopping!), I have never once regretted the choice to move here, where I feel completely at home and safe.
The choice to come on Aliyah was motivated in no small part by my desire to live a more integrated life as a Queer Jew. While I lived in one of the most tolerant, Queer positive, Jewishly active and culturally diverse cities in the world, I still felt that my Queer and Jewish identities were not able to mesh in a holistic manner. Israel, I believed, was a place where I could live comfortably in the fullness of my multiple identities; where I could further the cause of Queer rights; and where I could pursue my passion as an educator and artist.
After arriving, I became active in the Open House, Jerusalem's LGBTQ community centre. The JOH is a truly diverse place where Israelis of all kinds come together to promote tolerance and acceptance-Jews & Arabs, secular and religious, folks who are new to Israel and those who have lived here their entire lives. Through the lens of the JOH and my life here, I have learned when it comes to its Queer community, Israel in truly consistent only in its inconsistency (this by the way is true of most things). In some respects, Israel has a long way to go in its treatment of the LGBTQ population, there is plenty of homophobia (and for that matter misogyny), especially amongst the more religious elements of society (of all faiths, sadly). The tensions that surround us in terms of politics, religion and ethnicity have a direct impact on the safety and progress of Queer individuals, requiring great political and attitudinal change.
On the other hand, the legal and cultural norms in Israel are relatively progressive, certainly in contrast with our neighbors, but also in comparison with Western democracies (such as the United States). Tel Aviv is a model city in terms of its attitude and accommodation of same-sex couples, where rights are well and truly entrenched. The Supreme Court has time and again acted as a liberalizing force, not only balancing the homophobic strength of the religious right, but mandating government institutions to become more tolerant and open. This means that within many federal, local and private sector institutions, there is a feeling of equality or at the very least a sincere attempt at opening up opportunities and changing cultures.
Most surprising to me, however, are not the large, headline-grabbing legal/ procedural changes that seem to pop up with surprising (and much welcomed) regularity, but rather the small, unsung acceptances that are together creating a seismic shift in Israeli communal life. Living in Jerusalem, as I do, I have seen more and more members of the LGBT community come out, demand acceptance and become reintegrated in their faith and cultural communities of origin-even those that would on the surface appear to be entrenched in their homo-hatred. I have friends, colleagues and acquaintances from across these religious or ethnic spectra who without much fanfare take me for who I am and do not make my sexual/romantic orientation the only way in which they relate to or judge me. This to me is as important as the changes that are happening on a systemic level, since they prove the effectiveness of the work that is being done on the part of activists and also pave the way for more progress and tolerance.
In 2006, I married Biyamin and we jointly decided to make Jerusalem our family home. We have been welcomed into our community, synagogue and work environments for the most part in a very calm, un-ceremonial and natural manner. In 2007, following a ruling by the Supreme Court, our Canadian civil marriage was legalized in Israel and we are registered for all governmental purposes (federal and local) as a married couple. I cannot honestly tell you that we are 100% comfortable in all parts of Jerusalem; we are, for example, still careful about where and when we display affection. The tensions surrounding the recent Jerusalem Pride events had a profoundly negative impact on our sense of comfort, obviating the need for such public events here in the Holy City. Yet, we continue to be committed to living in Jerusalem, to pushing for equal rights, for protection of all LGBTQ individuals, especially those from the most vulnerable sectors of Israeli and Palestinian society. Most importantly, we love many aspects of life in Jerusalem, it is a fun, exciting place to work, create and live in.
I invite you all to come and see Israel with your own eyes, to experience and judge for yourselves how much the actual place matches the ideals that it was established with and the reputation it has gained in the world. I look forward to meeting you and to hearing from you what you think about this land and its people. Whether you see Israel in a positive or negative light, whether you judge it to be a success or failure, it is important to be here, to take part in what it has to offer, to strengthen your connection to it. This is the homeland of all Jews, no matter who they are; the creative and political epicenter of world Jewry and a place for us all to find ourselves in a deep and meaningful manner. Israel is ours- to love or hate, support or criticize, embellish or correct. Israel needs all Jews to take part in its development and the Queer community has much to offer this great experiment.
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Have Pride in Israel!
AG Okays Wider Adoption Rights for Same-Sex Couples
Haaretz Newspaper, Feb 11, 2008
Same-sex couples can adopt children who are not biologically related to either partner, according to a recent ruling by Attorney General Menachem Mazuz. The decision means that homosexual and lesbian couples will be able to adopt children through the department of child welfare or a third party.
Mazuz's decision marks a watershed in granting equal rights to gays and lesbians in the sphere of family law. Until now, Mazuz had confined his activities to social and financial areas only.
Click here to read full article
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Our Sponsors
Pride
in Israel is run by YJ Impact, a department of Young Judaea. YJ Impact
fosters Zionist leadership and activism among college
students and young adults. It emphasizes personal engagement with the
real Israel through multi-faceted programs and opportunities in Israel
and North America. YJ Impact embodies the pluralistic, non-partisan
approach of its sponsor, Hadassah.
Hadassah: the Women's Zionist Organization of America, INC.
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Pride in Israel FAQ
Why Pride in Israel?
Israel
is a place of great diversity and many colors - the face of the country
was shaped, and is still being shaped by Jews from all over the world,
men and women, religious and secular; people who choose to create new
ways of life in the Jewish land. Arabs, Druze, Bedouins and Jews of
all kinds are creating the Israeli Rainbow.
This
is the first ever YJ Impact trip to Israel designed especially for the
gay and lesbian community and others interested in GLBT issues in Israel. YJ Impact seeks to make Jewish GLBT vacations to
Israel the norm rather than the exception.
Why Focus on LGBT Issues?
Queer
issues have been at the top of the Israeli agenda over the past few
years, and have been regarded as both a source of great controversy and
of great achievement. When one wishes to engage with the "Real Israel"
(i.e. with the daily issues its citizens are confronted with, and the
norms which shape its culture), one cannot ignore these issues.
Who is This Program For?
Pride
in Israel is a 10 day queer-oriented trip to Israel for young
professionals in their 20's and 30's. This trip is perfect for groups,
couples, or individuals who have not been to Israel for awhile (or at
all), and are looking for a fun and meaningful Jewish experience.
What will you do?
Participants
on Pride in Israel will visit many of the classic Israeli cities and
sites, while putting special emphasis on understanding the experience
of gays and lesbians in Israel.
Some highlights of the program include:
-discussions with gay soldiers in the Israeli army
- climbing Masada at sunrise
-dancing and mingling at gay and lesbian clubs
- wine tastings at award-winning wineries
- films at the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
- floating in the Dead Sea
- briefings from local activists about issues facing the Israeli LGBT community
When is it going to happen?
There is one trip being offered in 2008: September 8th - 17th
Where will you stay?
We
will be staying in double or single rooms (upon request) at 3-4 star
hotels throughout Israel. The itinerary includes 5 nights in Tel Aviv,
3 nights in Jerusalem, 3 nights in the Galilee and one night at the
Dead Sea.
How much will it cost?
The cost for double occupancy is $1595 and is subject to change. Participants are responsible for their own airfare.
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See YOU in the Summer of 08'!
We'd like to thank you for being part of a truly unique and exceptional
program and movement! Pride in Israel is the first of its kind, and we
will have an amazing, groundbreaking program this summer. Pass it on to
all of your friends and family! Again, for more information please
contact Linda at 212-303-7462 or pride@yjimpact.org. To request an
application please click here.
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Trip Highlights
*You will:· Climb or take cable car up Masada at sunrise · Visit the Jerusalem Open House, Jerusalem's LGBT Community Center· Explore the Old City of Jerusalem · Meet the first married gay couple in Jerusalem· Camel riding and Bedouin hospitality for lunch· Visit the holocaust museum "Yad Vashem" with a special tour: "Gays and Jews During the Holocaust"· Bravely Kayak on the Jordan River· Delight in the Dead Sea Spa· Explore the spiritual city of Tzfat · Plant trees in the "Pride Forest" with representatives from the LGBT Association in Israel · View the art at various galleries and designer boutiques in Tel Aviv· Havdalah at Rabin Square
· Antique shopping in Jaffa's Flea Market· Visit kibbutz life · Enjoy Druze Hospitality and shop in the Druze market· Try some of Israel's best wines in a Wine Tasting in the Golan Winery · Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night Meet speakers who will tell you about:· Being gay in the IDF· Growing up queer in Israel· Gays in Israeli Entertainment - meet musicians, dancers, writers and film makers· Queer activism· Life as a gay Palestinian· and much, much more.And of course: lots and lots of free time to go for walks around the city, eat at the wonderful cafes, do some shopping, see friends and family and hang with the locals.
* itinerary is subject to revisions | |
