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. 🏳️🌈
