The Aguda - The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel

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The Aguda - The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel The ‘AGUDA’, The National Association of LGBT in Israel, is Israel's pioneer le***an, gay, bisexual and transgender organization.
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The Aguda: The Israeli LGBT National Task Force, is Israel’s pioneer le***an, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. The Aguda is a national grassroots, volunteer-based, nonprofit human-rights organization representing the LGBT community in Israel. The Aguda develops new initiatives, cultivates leadership, and partners with all sectors and groups within the community. The Aguda strives for full equality for LGBT people. We also aspire to create a public and social climate of acceptance and respect for the LGBT community and its individual members.

Just before the holidays, our VP of Strategy and Partnerships, Imry Zagury, traveled to New York to connect with both ne...
04/10/2026

Just before the holidays, our VP of Strategy and Partnerships, Imry Zagury, traveled to New York to connect with both new and longstanding supporters of The Aguda – The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel. ✈️🏳️‍🌈

During his trip, Imry visited CBST to speak with community members about the current challenges facing LGBTQ+ Israelis and the critical work The Aguda is doing on the ground, especially during these complex times.

We also hosted two special events dedicated to sharing the story of the Israeli LGBTQ+ community and our ongoing initiatives: one in Manhattan, and for the very first time ever, a second event in Fire Island Pines.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who opened their homes and hearts to meet with Imry, showed genuine interest in our community, and supported our mission. A special note of gratitude goes out to the incredible donors who generously hosted these events in their homes.

This journey marks a meaningful first step in strengthening the bond between The Aguda, the LGBTQ+ Jewish community in North America, and our allies who care deeply about Israel and its LGBTQ+ community.

Want to stay updated on our activities, join our English Zoom sessions about the LGBTQ+ community in Israel, and hear about future trips to North America? Subscribe to our English newsletter here: https://www.lgbt.org.il/newsletter-english

09/09/2026

Standing at the bimah of CBST last Friday night, our Deputy CEO, Imry Zagury האגודה למען הלהטב בישראל , delivered a powerful message on solidarity, resilience, and the deep historical bonds connecting our communities.

Imry spoke to the New York congregation about the complex realities of the LGBTQ+ community in Israel today. Against a backdrop of rising polarization and critical upcoming elections, The Aguda remains on the front lines, fighting tirelessly for full equality, safety, and basic rights for every member of our community.

What made this visit even more profound was uncovering our shared history. While exploring The Aguda's national archive, we recently discovered documents from 1977 showing CBST listed as an official partner organization of The Aguda.

In a breathtaking full-circle moment during the trip, Imry met Nahum Niv - a beloved member of the CBST community and one of the original founding members of The Aguda back in 1975. Standing next to Nahum served as a powerful reminder that our fight in Israel and our global LGBTQ+ family share the exact same roots.

We are endlessly proud of Imry for representing our mission on the international stage, and deeply grateful to CBST for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us across decades and borders.

Today, our hearts are with the LGBTQ+ community in Berlin.We are devastated by the deadly attack that took place during ...
26/07/2026

Today, our hearts are with the LGBTQ+ community in Berlin.

We are devastated by the deadly attack that took place during the Pride parade in Berlin, and we stand in solidarity with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire community as they mourn this unimaginable loss.

It is especially heartbreaking that such an attack could happen in Berlin, a city that has long symbolized freedom, diversity, and LGBTQ+ visibility. Yet this tragedy is a painful reminder that no place is immune to hatred.

Across the world, anti-LGBTQ+ violence is on the rise. Reports that the perpetrator was already known to the police make this attack even more painful, underscoring the urgent need not only to recognize threats, but to prevent them before lives are lost.

These expressions of hatred are not unfamiliar to us in Israel. While they do not represent Israeli society as a whole, our community knows all too well what it means to live under the shadow of violence and incitement from extremist voices motivated by hate. Time and again, LGBTQ+ people are forced to fight not only for equality, but for the fundamental right to live safely and openly.

Today, we stand with Berlin. Tomorrow, we will continue working to ensure that Pride remains what it is meant to be: a celebration of freedom, visibility, and dignity, never a place of fear.

Love will always be stronger than hate.

Can a personal tragedy reshape the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Israel?On October 7th, Major Sagi Golan rushed to the fron...
15/07/2026

Can a personal tragedy reshape the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Israel?

On October 7th, Major Sagi Golan rushed to the front lines to save families trapped in their homes, tragically falling in battle just one week before he was set to marry the love of his life, Omer Ohana. In his darkest hour of grief, facing discrimination from the state as a same-sex partner, Omer chose to turn his loss into a historic legal revolution. Today, that personal battle has transformed into "The Sagi Laws for Equality" - a crucial package of 10 bills for LGBTQ safety and equality sitting at the very heart of the upcoming election campaign of the LGBTQ community.

Join us for an exclusive international briefing to hear Omer’s incredible journey first-hand. During this special live conversation, we will dive into Omer's personal battle for recognition, share critical updates on the "Sagi Laws" election campaign, and discuss how the global community can take immediate action and support this critical fight on the ground.

📅 When: Wednesday, July 22
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM EDT | 9:00 AM PDT | 19:00 IST
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
👉 Secure your spot here: https://wkf.ms/4vsc7HK
👉 Support the campaign and donate here: https://bit.ly/3SPz6zb

21/03/2026

The Aguda bows its head in parting from one of the pillars of the LGBTQ+ community in Israel, Avi (Alan) Engel, of blessed memory, who passed away leaving behind a legacy of freedom, equality, and extraordinary courage.
​Avi was not only one of the founders of the Aguda in 1975; he was the person thanks to whom many of us found the courage to look in the mirror and be proud of who we are. In days when the community lived underground, under the shadow of discriminatory laws and heavy social fear, Avi chose the light.
​Avi will forever be remembered as the man who broke the walls of silence, becoming the first LGBTQ+ person in Israel to be interviewed on television with an exposed face and his full name. In that historic 1976 interview for the program "The Third Hour," at a time when we were still called "deviants," Avi stood calmly before the camera and explained to the Israeli public that we are an inseparable part of society. This act, which may seem obvious today, was an act of supreme heroism that changed the lives of thousands of young men and women who saw him and realized they were not alone.
​He was among the initiators and organizers of the first public, open-faced LGBTQ+ protest in Israel—the unforgettable "Hane'imim VeHane'imot" (The Pleasant Ones) demonstration, which is etched into the history of the State of Israel.
​Avi dedicated his life to building the community's infrastructure. He served as the Chairperson of the Aguda, volunteered for the "White Line" (the first Aguda's hotline) during periods when it was the only source of support. He was there during the establishment of the Israel AIDS Task Force and at the very first steps of the struggle in the streets. In 2015, the Aguda awarded him the "Yakir HaKehila" (Community Laureate) award—an honor that was small compared to the profound gratitude we all owe him.
​Avi didn't just dream of equality; he created it with his own hands. He taught us that transparency is power and that even when the path is dark, one person with an open face can light the way for an entire community.
​We grieve and share in the deep sorrow of Nissim, Avi's dear partner and a true friend of the Aguda, as well as the sorrow of his family and the many friends who accompanied him throughout the years.
​Avi, we promise to continue marching the path you paved for us, with open faces and great pride. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy be forever etched in our hearts. 🏳️‍🌈

No One Should Celebrate Passover Alone 💐🏳️‍🌈Even in the complex reality we find ourselves in today, the tradition contin...
12/03/2026

No One Should Celebrate Passover Alone 💐🏳️‍🌈

Even in the complex reality we find ourselves in today, the tradition continues. For three decades, we’ve ensured that no member of the LGBTQ+ community is left behind on Seder night. Whether they lack financial means or family support, our community Seder is their home.

In today's difficult climate, our solidarity is our strength. We need your help to provide a warm meal, a welcoming atmosphere, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most.

Be there for the community. Support the Annual LGBTQ Seder today: Donate here >> https://secure.cardcom.solutions/EA/EA5/X2vnW4dn0ekD1B0msY9Zg/PaymentSP

*Please note: Should the security situation prevent us from hosting the Seder as planned, the event will take place in an adapted format to ensure everyone is cared for.

What’s at stake for LGBTQ+ Israel in the upcoming elections? 🇮🇱🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ As Israel heads to the polls, the LGBTQ+ commun...
11/02/2026

What’s at stake for LGBTQ+ Israel in the upcoming elections? 🇮🇱🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

As Israel heads to the polls, the LGBTQ+ community stands at a critical crossroads. From the struggle for marriage equality to the fight against rising extremism, the political climate is shifting fast.

Join us for an exclusive Pre-Election Briefing with Imry Zagury, Deputy CEO of The Aguda, and get a direct look at the challenges and opportunities from the frontlines of the movement.

Key topics we’ll cover:
The current political landscape and its impact on LGBTQ+ rights.
First-hand updates from the ground in Israel.
How the international community can show support during this pivotal time.

🗓️ When: Wednesday, February 25
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM EST | 9:00 AM PST
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🔗 Secure your spot here: https://wkf.ms/3ZU6u7Y

After the darkness, there is always light. Emily Damari, who was held hostage in Gaza for 252 days, and her partner Dani...
26/01/2026

After the darkness, there is always light.

Emily Damari, who was held hostage in Gaza for 252 days, and her partner Daniel Amit, one of Israel’s leading influencers, and Emily’s partner in the past year, got engaged.
Emily and Daniel, your engagement is not just a private story, but a beacon of resilience that reminds us all of the right to love and find happiness against all odds.
Your love is a compass - of courage, freedom and loyalty to your heart. It spreads outward, giving hope to so many people.

We are all in love with you and your love! Congratulations on your engagement ❤️🌈

The LGBTQ+ Association Israel and the Be’er Sheva Pride House mourn the passing of Liora Deborah Muriel, a leading figur...
12/01/2026

The LGBTQ+ Association Israel and the Be’er Sheva Pride House mourn the passing of Liora Deborah Muriel, a leading figure in Israel’s LGBTQ+ struggle and one of the pioneers who helped build the foundation of the q***r community in its early years.

Liora served as Chair of the LGBTQ+ Association in the 1990s. During her tenure, the Equal Opportunities in Employment Law was amended to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, Magen David Adom organization recognized the rights of le***an partners for blood donation purposes, and Israel’s first Pride event was held at Shinkin Garden.
These were major achievements at a time when simply demanding equality was a courageous act.

Liora also made significant contributions to the development of the q***r community in Be’er Sheva and the Negev. In 2018, she received a certificate of appreciation from the Be’er Sheva Pride House as a pioneer of LGBTQ+ activism in the city.

In June 1992, Liora, together with activists, planted around 3,000 trees in Lehav Forest in the Negev, a donation from the LGBTQ+ community in Israel and around the world. For 13 years, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) refused to officially recognize the contribution or place a sign. The plantings symbolized belonging and visibility - as Liora described in her speech in the Knesset:
“We have roots here. We are as much a part of the Israeli landscape as our trees. We are Israelis, we are proud, and we are here.”

Liora shared her life with her partner, Susan Kirschner, who also served as Chair of the Association. Together they built a family and raised twins. Liora leaves behind a legacy of courage, depth, and belonging.

The path she paved continues to guide and inspire us.
May she rest in peace.

Address

מרדכי אנילביץ 62
Tel Aviv
61294

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00
Thursday 09:00 - 18:00
Sunday 09:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+97236205590

Website

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