
Jerusalem has a growing gay community now coming out in regular gay pride marches, events, and they keep winning court cases protecting their rights. How does this community relate to Jerusalem, the heart of biblical faith?
I meet with Alon Shachar, Executive Director of the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance that was founded in 1997. Alon is a confident and proud member of Jerusalem’s gay community. “We organize gay activism, provide professional medical and psychological care for the gay community, and provide a place to meet each other outside of the nightlife,” he says.
The center receives financial support from the Jerusalem Municipality. This was a surprise to me given that more than 80% of the city’s population identify as religious, with over 31% as Orthodox Jewish.
Become a Member
-
Read all member content
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.
-
Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel
Connect with Israel, right from your home.
-
Lift up the voice of truth and hope
Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Already a member? Login here.
MembersOnly members can read and write comments.