An influential global advocacy group for LGBTQ rights has suspended its Israeli membership as part of a larger movement to boycott Israel, angering queer Jews and their allies around the world. are.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, known as ILGA World, announced Wednesday that it is not considering Tel Aviv as a possible location for its next conference, to be held in 2026 or 2027. The organization, which is based in more than 150 countries, added that it was suspending its membership in Aguda, the umbrella organization for Israel’s LGBTQ community, which proposed setting up the site.
In a statement, the group cited “observance of the constitution” and said Aguda had violated rules by bringing Tel Aviv forward. ILGA World also apologized to the remaining member states for the Tel Aviv proposal, saying: “We are aware that seeing the Tel Aviv bid taken into consideration has caused anger and harm in our community.” Ta.
The move, in the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, highlights how LGBTQ Israelis and LGBTQ Jews and their allies are caught in the nexus of two troubling identities. did. Anti-LGBTQ violence in the country has soared in recent years, with officials in Israel’s right-wing government increasingly targeting LGBTQ people. At the same time, the global LGBTQ community has become more broadly aware of the Palestinian cause and anti-Israel, especially after October 7th.
Many LGBTQ Jews who do not oppose Israel report feeling excluded or unwelcome by the gay community. Some Jews reported being excluded from public pride events this summer over Israel.
A force for advancing LGBTQ human rights on the world stage, ILGA plays a vital role for the queer community in international diplomacy. The group has fought anti-LGBTQ government policies and monitored changes in global attitudes toward LGBTQ people. (The ILGA has caused controversy in the past when it included the North American Gender Association, a pro-pedophile group, as a member, but the ILGA expelled the group in 1994 following backlash from the United Nations.)
Pro-Israel LGBTQ organization Weider Bridge, which spotlighted Israel’s commitment to equality and led the Queer Against Anti-Semitism effort earlier this year, condemned “IGLA’s anti-Israel actions” regarding Aguda. , said they were “outrageous and unacceptable.” ”
“While IGLA is free to raise questions about the Israeli government and other policies, it should address concerns about the Israeli government, not exclude or excommunicate the country’s gay community,” the group said in a statement. ” he said.
“We are extremely disappointed that ILGA has chosen to boycott those who work for LGBTQ+ rights and strive for a more just society,” Aguda said in a statement in Hebrew. Aguda, founded in 1975, defended its work in Israel and said the group also works with Arab nationals and Palestinian refugees. The group has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government and its institutions in recent months, going after television channels that broadcast anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and condemning a general increase in attacks against Israeli communities. I am doing it.
“As a community, we hold governments accountable for their policies and expect the international community to support liberal voices rather than boycott them,” the statement continued. “We are proud to be LGBTQ+ and Israeli and will continue to fight for a more equal and safe society.”
Aguda’s advocacy includes honoring gay soldiers who defended the country and calling for equal treatment for soldiers killed in the line of duty.
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, president of the global human rights group Truah and a prominent American Jewish critic of the Israeli government, condemned ILGA’s move on social network X.
“This action will not stop the war or protect the rights of LGBTQ people, including Palestinians,” she wrote. “It only punishes those who fight for security and equality. ILGA has affiliates in other countries who commit massive human rights violations, and Israel should be no exception.”
Some non-Jewish American politicians also criticized the move. “Suspending Israeli LGBTQ organizations from participating in global organizations promoting LGBTQ rights will not advance peace, justice, or the Palestinian cause,” California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna tweeted. “If anything, it will further marginalize progressive voices within Israel.”
ILGA World made the announcement ahead of its next conference in South Africa, and the organization said in a statement: “We recognize the historical experience of apartheid and colonialism in South Africa. Even the possibility of voting for such a bid in our own country was at odds with the clear solidarity of the Palestinian people.” Dew. ”
South Africa is one of Israel’s most vocal critics on the world stage, having brought genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice and serving in the Israeli army, a relatively common route for the country’s Jews. He threatened to prosecute South Africans. young people. The government also welcomed official visits by Hamas leaders from October 7 onwards.
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