10 LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Decade Report

Decade Report

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

The Aguda The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel

The report was written with:

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Opening Statements

The Nir Katz Reporting Center has been working extensively since 2012 to monitor, document, and treat LGBTQ-phobic events that harm members of the LGBTQ community. This year, the report highlights a brutal and challenging reality that has worsened with the rise of conservative and radical entities in the government. The report exhibits a surge in detrimental events correlating to the changes in the political landscape in Israel. The report focuses on four main spheres where the complex life experiences of the LGBTQ community in Israel are reflected: the transgender community, religion versus LGBTQ individuals, the media, and discrimination in obtaining services. The Reporting Center presents statistical data in which the LGBTQ community is still frequently mistreated in the public sphere - in businesses, the healthcare system, schools, academic institutions, recreation and leisure, the media, government institutions, and the legal and judicial system. Thus, there has been an 11% increase in LGBTQ-reported events in 2022 compared to 2021. The arenas portrayed in the report demonstrate injustices and damages on two levels. LGBTQ-phobia offline (physical and verbal abuse in public spaces, discrimination in businesses, schools, etc.), and hate speech online (LGBTQ phobicstatementsbypublicpersonasandjournalists,themedia,newswebsites, and social networks). Since the beginning of 2023, we have observed an alarming series of LGBTQ-phobic events of varying intensities. We are concerned that this may be only the start of a new trend that began in the last quarter of 2022. The Aguda for LGBTQ’s asserted mission is to protect and assist every community member, and we will not rest until we can all live our lives in nRENR EdP rRNvqZu~Ŭ 8R |Zbb nRqrZru Zd ’XYuZdX Wfq uYR 1- NfccvdZu~Ɔr right to live peacefully in this country and confront every harmful LGBTQ event and any attempt to hurt the community for its different way of life. We will not allow extremist behaviors to force the community to hide and live in the dark. They will not shove us back into the closet or nullify laws aimed to protect us, laws enacted by right and not as a luxury. We are a strong community, and we have learned from past experiences that despite the complex reality where forces directed at us carry hatred and attempt to undermine our existence, we will become stronger and unite in our battle for equality, tolerance, love, and acceptance of one EdfuYRqŬ 1YRrR {EbvRr EqR Eu uYR WfqRWqfdu Er |R ’XYu Wfq fvq bZ{RrŬ

Hila Peer Chairwoman, The Aguda

Ran Shalhavi CEO, The Aguda

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Introduction Since 2012, The Aguda - The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel has been operating the LGBTQ Reporting Center as the central platform in Israel for monitoring and handling discrimination, abuse, and hate against community members nationwide. The Aguda’s continuous endeavors in various arenas have provided the Reporting Center with the ability to process LGBTQ events, both large and small, and manage and accompany incidents and victims of LGBTQ-phobic abuse throughout the country, from Upper Galilee to Eilat. The following report exhibits LGBTQ abuse in 2022, as conveyed to the Aguda’s Reporting Center and other community organizations. The report’s data is compiled from the following sources: The Aguda’s Reporting Center, the Cyberbullying Department, community organizations, private psychosocial healthcare providers, HaGag HaVarode, Beit Dror, Avnei Derech, Kalai-Rosen & Co. Advocates, the Trans Ma'avarim Organization, and Youth Safehouses for trans-spectrum individuals. The following analysis is based on overall reports admitted at the Aguda’s Reporting Center (and not on reports from other sources) since the Reporting Center provided us with detailed data concerning the various aspects of the abuse cases. Total LGBTQ abuse reports this year: 3,309 compared to 2021, in line with the continuous rise in the number of reports of LGBTQ abuse directed at members of the LGBTQ community. Total LGBTQ-phobic cases reported between 2018-2022:

3,309 Cases

2,971 Cases

2,696 Cases

2,125 Cases 1,557 Cases

It is essential to point out that the report’s data reflects only the events registered at the Reporting Center and from other community sources. It is likely that it does not represent the total number of abuses that occurred in LGBTQs’ daily lives, as only a fraction of events is

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Main Trends An analysis of the events registered at the reporting center by month exhibits two peak periods in 2022 in LGBTQ abuse reports: one around the June pride month events, a phenomenon we are familiar with from previous years. This year, however, we observed a peak also in November December, which accounts for 25% of all this year’s reports. The likely cause for this surge in reports was the LGBTQ-phobic discourse during the election campaigns and following the commencement of the new government. Later in the report, we will discuss the harmful impact of this issue, which has instigated violence against members of the LGBTQ community. Percentage of Events Reported at the Reporting Center by Month - 2022

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

A sevenfold increase in LGBTQ abuse reports where the offending parties are public ’XvqRr EdP uYR cRPZEŦ

An increase of about ģġƝ Zd qRnfqur Wqfc individuals on the uqEdr rnRNuqvcŦ

An eightfold increase in PZrNqZcZdEuZfd qRnfqur involving services at businesses:

’{RWfbP ZdNqRErR in LGBTQ abuse reports in the public sphere:

An 11% increase in LGBTQ abuse reports:

52%

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

LGBTQ-Phobic Maltreatment by Geographic Region Ţ }NbvPRr dEuZfd|ZPR qRnfqur ŸrvNY Er ruEuRcRdur cEPR Zd uYR dEuZfdEb cRPZE EdP rfNZEb dRu|fqarŹ vdErrfNZEuRP |ZuY E rnRNZ’N qRXZfd LGBTQ Maltreatment Rate by Geographic Region

9%

14%

17%

17%

43%

Sharon Plain and surrounding areas

Be’er Sheva and surrounding areas

Jerusalem and surrounding areas (Judea and Samaria and the occupied territories)

Haifa, the Northern region, and surrounding areas

Tel Aviv metropolitan area

The majority of reports are from the Tel Aviv metropolitan area (43%), followed by Jerusalem and the surrounding area (17%), Haifa and the surrounding area (17%), Be’er Sheva and the southern district (14%), and the Sharon Plain and surrounding areas (9%). Compared to 2021, Jerusalem and the surrounding area illustrate the most substantial increase, nearly doubling from 9% in 2021 to 17% in 2022. Thus, these numbers demonstrate that LGBTQ individuals in Israel do not feel safe in the capital. Tel Aviv metropolitan area indicates an increase from 35% in 2021 to 43% in 2022. LGBTQ-Phobic Maltreatment by Age *Excludes nationwide reports (such as statements made in the national media and social networks) unassociated with age

#dR fW uYR PZruvqMZdX WENufqr Zd uYZr ~REqƆr qRnfqu Zr uYR rZXdZ’NEdu increase in the abuse rate of young LGBTQs, particularly among school-age minors. While in 2021, the percentage of children under 18 was 10% of all the reports, 2022 showed 18%. The assumption is that this dramatic increase reflects the effect of the past year’s changes in educational content. We will elaborate on these changes below, alluding uf uYR nqfbZWRqEuZfd fW 1-żnYfMZN ruEuRcRdur cEPR M~ nvMbZN ’XvqRr and the escalation of discourse towards children and youth. 2duZb uYZr ~REqŧ Zu EnnREqr uYEu nvMbZN ’XvqRr EdP uYR cRPZE qRWqEZdRP from talking about children and youth, but this year marked the MRXZddZdX fW R}NRrrZ{R nqRfNNvnEuZfd |ZuY uYZr ufnZNŬ fq uYR ’qru uZcRŧ politicians inconceivably protested against children. This legitimized the trend to not only mistreat LGBTQ individuals but to mistreat and hurt children that are LGBTQ. This increasingly aggressive and harmful trend stemmed from extreme conservative agendas. When Knesset member Avi Maoz spoke about changes to the educational programs, he directed the public discourse directly to children and youth, which is why we are identifying an increase in distress and incident reports from youth. Moreover, the same Knesset members add “juicy” misinformation to the discourse, such as their claim that children's

Up to 18

Age

organs were amputated at age 3. This type of fabrication permeates the public. The predatory TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists) movement’s agenda has been aimed at children, youth, and parents. Now, the parents are targeted and accused of pushing their children towards a gender change. PEuE MqREaPf|d M~ EXR Xqfvn PRcfdruqEuRr uYEu dfu fdb~ rNYffbżEXR ~fvuY R}nRqZRdNRP E rZXdZ’NEdu ZdNqRErR in abuse, but also young individuals in their 20s. While in 2021, 41% of all reports were derived from 19-30-year olds, in 2022, 51% were obtained from this age group (23% of ages 19-24 and 28% of ages 25-30). Unfortunately, we cannot ascertain the increase rate since we do not have 2021 data for each group separately (19-24, 25-30). !R{RquYRbRrrŧ |R NEd ErrvcR uYEu uYR XRdRqEb ZdNqRErR Zd qRnfquZdX EcfdX EXRr ğħżġĞ qRWbRNur uYR ZduRdrZ’NEuZfd of the LGBTQ-phobic discourse in 2022 and the vulnerability of the affected younger age groups. The highest rate of reported mistreatment is found among ages 25-30 (28% of reported events), 19-24 (23%), and young LGBTQ individuals under the age of 18 (18%).

*Based on data from the Aguda’s Reporting Center (not including maltreatment in the networks and the press/media) ** In 2022, the age categories were annotated differently from the 2021 report. This year, we chose to assess the LGBTQ phobic experiences of 6 distinct social and generational groups: school-age youth (under 18), youth after school-age and in uYRZq REqb~ u|RduZRr ŸğħżĠĢŹŧ bEuRżu|RduZRr ŸĠģżġĞŹŧ Wfbbf|RP M~ uYR WfvquY PRNEPR ŸġğżĢĞŹŧ ’WuY ŸĢĞżĢğŹ EdP rZ}uY ŸģğƞŹŬ

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

LGBTQ-Phobic Maltreatment by Sexual Orientation *Excludes nationwide reports (such as statements made in the national media and social networks) unassociated with sexual orientation When differentiating the reported data by sexual orientation, it is evident that the group reporting abuse at the highest rate are those who identify as homosexuals (51% of all reports), lesbians (19%), followed by bisexuals (16%).

Pansexual/Polysexual/ rR}vEbŲ qfcEduZN

fcfrR}vEbr

Hetrosexuals

Sexual Orientation

Bisexuals

Lesbians

*Based on data from the Aguda’s Reporting Center (not including maltreatment in the networks and the press/media) **For statistical analysis, we differentiated four sexual identity categories, constituting 7% of all cases: pansexual, polysexual, asexual, and aromantic. LGBTQ-Phobic Maltreatment by Gender Identity *Excludes nationwide reports (such as statements made in the national media and social networks) not associated with gender identity

Non-Binary 3%

Cisgender Males 34%

Non-Gendered 4%

Gender Identity

Transgender Males 12%

Genderqueer / Genderfluid 18%

ZrXRdPRq RcEbRr 14%

1qEdrXRdPRq RcEbRr 15%

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

The 2022 report demonstrates that those on the trans spectrum are more likely to experience LGBTQ maltreatment than cisgender men and cisgender women. In addition, cisgender (homosexual and bisexual) men are more likely to experience LGBTQ maltreatment than cisgender (lesbian and bisexual) women. 1 We will address the distinctive abuse suffered by individuals on the trans spectrum in detail later in the report. Reports of Abuse by Gender Identity: Individuals on the transgender spectrum compared with cisgender men and cisgender women: *Based on data from the Aguda’s Reporting Center (not including maltreatment in the networks and the press/ media)

ZrXRdPRq RcEbRr 14%

Gender Identity

Individuals on the uqEdr rnRNuqvc 52%

Cisgender Males 34%

In addition, based on data from the Israel Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Research, individuals on the trans spectrum constitute approximately 15% of the LGBTQ community. This demonstrates that those on the trans spectrum report abuse in the public sphere at the highest rate of the LGBTQ community - 30% of abusive cases in the public sphere were reported by individuals on the trans spectrum (double in proportion to their percentage in the LGBTQ community). Cisgender (homosexual) males are mistreated more publicly than cisgender females. Maltreatment Comparison by Gender Identity:

Individuals on the uqEdr rnRNuqvc 30%

ZrXRdPRq RcEbRr 17%

Gender Identity

Cisgender Males 53%

1 1f qRZuRqEuRŧ uYZr PEuE qRWRqr uf qRnfquRP EMvrRŧ EdP uYRqRWfqR Zu Zr ZcnfrrZMbR uf fMuEZd E nqRNZrR ’XvqR Wfq uYR ENuvEb maltreatment differentiation. However, the LGBTQ-phobia report data is consistent with those established by Israeli and global studies; individuals on the trans spectrum are subjected to LGBTQ abuse more than cisgenders (similar data reflects the gap between cisgender men and cisgender women).

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Maltreatment Comparison by Gender Orientation:

Bisexuals

Pansexual/Polysexual/ rR}vEbŲ qfcEduZN

Gender Orientation

fcfrR}vEbr

Lesbian

Hetrosexual

fcfrR}vEbr qRnfqu EMvrR Zd uYR nvMbZN rnYRqR rZXdZ’NEdub~ cfqR uYEd bRrMZEdrŬ ZWWRqRduZEuZfd by sexual orientation demonstrates that 58% of maltreatment cases in the public sphere are reported by homosexuals, compared to 18% by bisexuals and 16% by lesbians, and 8% by others. Maltreatment Comparison by Sexual Orientation

Bisexual 18%

Sexual Orientation

Lesbian 18%

fcfrR}vEb 58%

Other 8%

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Major Abuse Spheres in 2022 Where Do LGBTQ-Phobic Abuses Occur? The following are the trends exhibited when examining the arenas in which LGBTQ maltreatment occurred in 2022: About half of the reports (51%) reflect abuses in the media and social networks. These maltreatments comprise offensive statements towards all or parts of the community and some directed at individuals. Examples and elaboration on this topic are noted in a separate chapter regarding LGBTQ-phobia in the media and networks. About half of the reports (49%) portray mistreatment during interpersonal interactions in various spheres: public and private, public institutions, IDF, educational institutions, and more. The Rate of LGBTQ Abuse Out of Overall Maltreatment - by abuse sphere, including media and social networks:

Religious institutions 1% (yeshivas, synagogues, etc.)

1YR cRPZE 26% (press, television, radio, etc.)

IDF institutions 1% Ÿ MErRr EdP fW’NZEb EqRErŹ

Healthcare 2% (hospitals/clinics/HMOs/urgent care) Public transportation 2%

Social networks 25%

Workplaces 3% (as an employee)

Higher-educational institutions 4%

Abuse Sphere

Businesses 4%

Public institutions 5% ŸXf{RqdcRduŧ nvMbZN fW’NRrŧ |RbWEqR institutions such as social security, etc.) /NYffb Rd{ZqfdcRdu 4% (elementary to high school)

+qZ{EuR YfcRr 7% (one’s own home or another’s home)

Public spheres 16% (the street, neighborhood, leisure, and recreation)

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

The Rate of LGBTQ Abuse Out of Overall Maltreatment - by abuse sphere, excluding media and social networks:

IDF institutions 2% Ÿ MErRr EdP fW’NZEb EqRErŹ Religious institutions 2% (yeshivas, synagogues, etc.) fNEb cvdZNZnEbZuZRr 1% Police 1% Public transportation 3%

Public spheres 32% (the street, neighborhood, leisure, and recreation)

Abuse Sphere

Healthcare 5% (hospitals/clinics/HMOs/urgent care)

+qZ{EuR YfcRr 13% (one’s own home or another’s home)

Workplaces 7% (as an employee)

Higher-educational institutions 7%

Public institutions 10% ŸXf{RqdcRduŧ nvMbZN fW’NRrŧ |RbWEqR institutions such as social security, etc.)

Businesses 8%

/NYffb Rd{ZqfdcRdu 9% (elementary to high school)

Education has been an intensely debated topic advocated by the current government. Concerns about the content discussed in higher education and schools have instigated an aspiration for radical changes in Israel. The contention regards various educational institutions and organizations, from kindergarten to higher education. The changes immediately affect LGBTQ youth and students, who are integral to the education system. The education system functions as a vital guiding force, shaping individuals in Israeli society, and biases that stem from this same system inevitably will damage LGBTQ community members’ self-worth in the mid and long term. The highest reported mistreatment rate, 35% of the abuse in physical spheres (excluding media and social networks), transpired in the public sphere (the street, neighborhood, leisure, recreational spaces, and public transportation). One plausible reason for the surge in abuses in the public sphere is that they result from an increase in the volume of violent LGBTQ discourse in the media and social networks over the past year, in addition to various LGBTQ events that triggered intense debate. For example, in May 2022, several conservative and rabbinical organizations ran a crowdfunding campaign for a banquet hall owner who lost a lawsuit after he refused to hold the matrimonial service of an LGBTQ couple. Any such movement sets and encourages legitimacy to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals in businesses and refuse service. Another reason for LGBTQ’s elevated abuse rate in the public sphere is that these maltreatments are the product of organized activity by extremists who are explicitly hostile to the LGBTQ community. Some examples are Knesset member Avi Maoz, the Bocharim BaMishpacha (Choosing the Family) organization, and Rabbi Tao’s various tributaries. These fanatics are preoccupied with mistreatment, aiming to “normalize” the community. These factors produce a well-supported hate system via activists, events, and social media. Other toxic examples are the endeavor to establish student units in academic institutions based solely on the “heteronormative” family and the attempt to delegitimize and exclude LGBTQ lifestyles and family structures.

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

As part of this trend, 2022’s last quarter showed increased extreme LGBTQ-phobic rhetoric from decision cEaRqrŧ nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ EdP ZdWbvRdNRqrŬ u uYR MRXZddZdX fW uYZr qRnfquŧ |R dfuRP uYR cfduYb~ PZWWRqRduZEuZfd for LGBTQ-phobic event reporting, which showed that November and December accounted for 25% of the 2022 reports. For example, in November 2022, Knesset member Maoz addressed the Minister of Education, Yifat Shasha Biton, at the assembly and said: “Madam Minister of Education, how would you like me to call you - Madam Minister or Mr. Minister? Has anyone asked parents if they agree that different and strange genders will hassle their children?” Undoubtedly, such statements permeate the public discourse, promote hatred, and exclude community members. Moreover, this behavior inevitably encourages and leads to expressions of verbal and physical violence and various manifestations of discrimination in the public sphere. 1. The Trans Community Sphere “I was walking with another trans friend on the street, we were talking among ourselves, and suddenly someone spoke to us mockingly, saying, boys are not girls! You should not go into women’s restrooms! All we were doing was walking along, minding our own business. We weren’t talking to anyone, just existing Zd fvq f|d rnENRŬ ~ rRbWżNfd’PRdNR Zd rEWRb~ |EbaZdX Pf|d uYR ruqRRu YEr MRRd vdPRqcZdRPƄ Ų 1Ŭŧ rqERbƆr Northern District. LGBTQ-phobia events in the past year provoked the entire LGBTQ community, particularly the trans community. We will demonstrate in this chapter that those on the trans spectrum suffer maltreatment more than cisgenders. This severe vulnerability is reflected in the overall mistreatment of the community, mainly in the healthcare system, schools, and public transportation. As mentioned in the Introduction of this report, more than half of the events registered at the Reporting RduRq Zd ĠĞĠĠ qRbEuR uf uYR cZruqREucRdu fW uYfrR fd uYR uqEdr rnRNuqvcŬ 1YZr ’XvqR Zr nEquZNvbEqb~ |fqq~ZdX considering current estimations that this group constitutes about 15% of the LGBTQ community. 2 This YZXYbZXYur uYEu uYR uqEdrXRdPRq EMvrR qEuR Zr rZXdZ’NEdub~ YZXYRq ŸdREqb~ ġŬģ uZcRr cfqRŹ uYEd uYR qEuZf Zd the overall gay community. Abuse of LGBT Individuals, by Gender Identity: Individuals on the transgender spectrum compared with cisgender men and cisgender women: *Based on data from the Aguda’s Reporting Center (not including overall community gender differentiation)

Individuals on the uqEdr rnRNuqvc 52%

ZrXRdPRq RcEbRr 17%

Gender Orientation

Cisgender Males 34%

Furthermore, when comparing the rate of abuse reportings in the trans community out of total reports in 2021 and 2022, there is an unprecedented increase in transphobic abuse: 34% and 52%, respectively.

2 1YZr ’XvqR Zr MErRP fd E ruvP~ NfdPvNuRP Eu uYR rqERbZ druZuvuR Wfq RdPRq EdP 1- .RrREqNY Wfq uYR ZdZruq~ Wfq /fNZEb Equality on “LGBTQ Community traits in Israel in 2022”.

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Transgender Abuse Rate Compared to the Overall Reports in 2021, 2022

2022

2021

#{RqEbb cEbuqREucRdu uf uYR NfccvdZu~ cEbuqREucRdu uf uYR uqEdr NfccvdZu~

An assessment of the abuse rate of those on the trans spectrum compared to the abuse rate of the overall LGBTQ community in various arenas shows the following: ğŬ 1YR uYqRR rnYRqRr Zd |YZNY ZdPZ{ZPvEbr fd uYR uqEdr rnRNuqvc EqR rZXdZ’NEdub~ cfqR EWWRNuRP than the overall community are the healthcare system, school, and public transportation. 2. Those on the trans spectrum are twice as likely to be abused in these spheres as other LGBQ individuals. Overall Abuse Spheres in the Transgender Community:

Public spheres 22% (the street, neighborhood, leisure, and recreation)

fNEb cvdZNZnEbZuZRr 1% Police 1%

Higher-educational institutions 4% IDF institutions 3% Ÿ MErRr EdP fW’NZEb EqRErŹ Religious institutions 1% (yeshivas, synagogues, etc.)

School Rd{ZqfdcRdu 18% (elementary to high school)

Abuse Sphere

Workplaces 6% (as an employee)

Businesses 7%

+qZ{EuR YfcRr 12% (one’s own home or another’s home)

Public institutions 9% ŸXf{RqdcRduŧ nvMbZN fW’NRrŧ |RbWEqR institutions such as social security, etc.)

Public transportation 9%

Healthcare 8% (hospitals/clinics/ HMOs/urgent care)

Despite the improved approach of the healthcare system towards the transgender community in recent years, the data from the LGBTQ-phobia report indicates the long road ahead. 8% of abuses of those on the trans spectrum occurred in the Israeli healthcare system (compared to an average of 4% in the LGBTQ community). For example, a transgender woman from southern Israel approached the Reporting Center this year to report the degrading and disrespectful treatment she received from a doctor at the HMO. 1YZr |fcEdŧ Ŭŧ rEZP rYR |Er qRNf{RqZdX Wqfc XRdPRqżEW’qcZdX rvqXRq~ EdP qRpvRruRP cRPZNEb EP{ZNRŬ Ŭ states that the doctor humiliated and treated her disrespectfully because she was a transgender woman EdP qRWvrRP uf nqf{ZPR YRq |ZuY cRPZNEb uqREucRduŬ d qRrnfdrR uf ŬƆr qRpvRruŧ uYR XvPE rRdu Ed fW’NZEb letter to the HMO and reported the abusive case. The Aguda has not yet received a response from the HMO. As mentioned, the rate of LGBTQ abuse in public transportation, according to individuals on the trans spectrum, is 9% of overall reported abuses towards this group.

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Children on the Trans Spectrum 1YR EMvrR uf|EqPr NYZbPqRd fd uYR uqEdr rnRNuqvc Zr rZXdZ’NEdub~ YZXYRq uYEd Zd uYR 1- community. For example, we received a report of a trans child who broke his hand in a game and went to the ER. When the medical staff saw the name on his ID and realized that the gender form was different from what the patient requested to be referred to, they referred to him according to his ID and not his request. The boy was deeply affected by the medical staff’s treatment despite the repeated requests and refused the medical treatment. Children on the trans spectrum in school environments in Israel are a “captive audience” since they are legally obliged to be present in the school setting. As a result, many children and teenagers are compelled to experience verbal abuse, physical violence, and discrimination by other students and, at times, even by the school staff - without the ability to disengage from the perpetrators. Those LGBTQ students must continue to go to school every day without receiving support from school staff, while some of them also endure intolerance and rejection at home. The fact that the children lack LGBTQ sources of support (for example, not all schools obtain Hoshen or IGY uqEZdZdX fq EdfuYRq 1-żqRbEuRP NfENYZdXŹ ZduRdrZ’Rr uYRZq ruqvXXbR EdP NYEbbRdXRrŬ u NqREuRr a biased reality and lack of a safe and inclusive space, with questions and dilemmas regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Moreover, when the Noam organization was founded in 2019, its activists made it their mission to remove tolerance education from schools, and they still promote that endeavor. Since the rise of the current government, there have been efforts to change the content of the Gefen program. This year, it was announced that Avi Maoz would be handed the authority to manage the Ministry of Education’s external content; unfortunately, these are the actions of our leadership. 1YR NvqqRdu uqRdPr Zd uYR RPvNEuZfd r~ruRc Ebrf cEaR Zu PZW’Nvbu Wfq nqZdNZnEbr uf qRpvRru ufbRqEdNR education content, thereby establishing a safe space for youth. All this creates vast gaps among schools, and a migration of students between schools, particularly children on the trans spectrum, hoping that the teaching staff there will be more supportive. In addition, the decision to remove a NYZbP Wqfc rNYffb Zd Z{Eu /YcvRb PRcfdruqEuRr uYEu ZdZruq~ fW PvNEuZfd fW’NZEbr EbuRqRP uYRZq position with the rise of the current government. In many cases, children are forced to drop out of school. The education system does not adequately distinguish between sexuality and gender and thus does not provide a safe space for them in their schools. The result is an inequality of opportunities for children on the trans spectrum and a harmful impact on their social, emotional, and cognitive development. LGBTQ-Phobic Maltreatment Towards the Transgender Community by Geographic Region 42% of the maltreatment towards those on the trans spectrum has occurred in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The likely reason is that in the central region, there are more support options for the transgender community, which leads to the application of resources (social, medical, occupational, therapeutic) and attracts more transgender people to reside there. This establishes more interpersonal encounters in businesses and might cause an increase in potential LGBTQ phobic abuse. In addition, children on the trans spectrum frequent the central region, especially Tel Aviv, to feel a sense of belonging and self-expression. However, their visibility leads to friction with the public and increases the abuse towards them.

14%

9%

13%

22%

42%

Sharon Plain and surrounding areas

Be’er Sheva and surrounding areas

Jerusalem and surrounding areas (Judea and Samaria and the occupied territories)

Haifa, the Northern region, and surrounding areas

Tel Aviv metropolitan area

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

The transgender community is likely more vulnerable than other LGBTQ subgroups in private and public spheres. Data from the LGBTQ-phobia report and other studies conducted at the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Research demonstrate that those on the trans spectrum are subjected not only to a higher number of mistreatments but also the harm is more severe, for example, concerning the physical violence and abusive behavior towards them in healthcare. As noted above, more than half of the events registered at the Reporting Center this year document abuses against individuals on the trans spectrum. 2022 was a year with many incidents of bias, exclusion, physical violence, and verbal abuse against individuals on the trans spectrum. As the report demonstrates, the realities of life and daily struggles are challenging for members of this community. The barriers and vulnerabilities threaten their mental and physical safety and impede their access to essential public services and their ability to lead an everyday life. The past year has exhibited extreme events that children and their families have confronted. In some cases, other parents and schools mistreated children and their families. There are currently no clear guidelines in the educational system that would provide an optimal response for youth on the transgender spectrum. Moreover, the public contention regarding gender identity issues at an early age has escalated in the past year and has become an element of shame and humiliation. Unfortunately, in 2022, nvMbZN ’XvqRr NYfrR uf WfNvr fd cZdfqrƆ nqZ{EuR bZ{Rrŧ rnqREPZdX WEaR NfdrnZqEN~ uYRfqZRr EMfvu XRdPRqżEW’qcZdX nqfNRrrRrŬ 1YZr nvMbZN PZrNfvqrR Zr dfu Nfd’dRP uf cRPZE EdP rfNZEb dRu|fqa qYRufqZNŬ /uZbbŧ Zu YEr Ed ENuZ{R physical expression (demonstrations, conferences rampant with hate speech, petitions, etc.) directed at individuals on the trans spectrum. These events are initiated and funded by parties collaborating with conservative organizations abroad. Community Coping 1YR ~REq ĠĞĠĠ |Er ’bbRP |ZuY ZduRdrZ{R `fZdu RWWfqur M~ uYR 1- XvPEƆr 1Era fqNR EdP uYR uqEdr community organizations, aimed at identifying dominant obstacles and barriers experienced by those on the trans spectrum and establishing optimal responses to assist and support them with the complex daily challenges. vqZdX uYR ~REqŧ rR{RqEb rZXdZ’NEdu qRrnfdrRr |RqR NqREuRP EdP ZcnbRcRduRP uf YRbn Zd {EqZfvr areas: 1. One of the goals mentioned in the 2021 LGBTQ-phobia report was establishing an emergency support system for the transgender community aged 18 and over. Thus, in February 2022, a lodging facility was established as a safe place for emergency accommodation sheltering trans |fcRd |ZuY nqfruZuvuZfd EW’bZEuZfdŧ YfcRbRrrŧ EdP uYfrR bENaZdX WEcZb~ rvnnfqu Wfq EXRr ğĦ EdP above. 2. The commencement of the Trans Center in collaboration with the Aguda and the Gila Project for Trans Empowerment, a facility that provides a holistic response to the community and serves as a home for community, social and cultural events, alongside many services (social, medical, etc.). 3. The Trans Home of the Israel Trans Association – a center that provides comprehensive support for trans women under one roof that grants assistance with exercising rights, obtaining services, legal advice, mentoring, social activities, hot meals, general assistance, and more. 4. IGY has youth groups and young individuals from the trans community nationwide, with over 300 members. 5. Collaborating with community organizations headed by Ma’avarim and the Gila Project for Trans Empowerment in formulating and assessing work procedures that assist those in the transgender spectrum, including their assimilation into Israel’s social-work regulations. 6. Incorporating the “gender identity” clause in the CEO circular that legally prohibits conversion therapy. 7. Collaborating with community organizations in polishing the document “Guidelines for

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

providing protection and an optimal response for LGBTQ children, youth and spectrum families in the educational system.” This document was composed by the Senior Division of the Ministry of Education through the Ministry of Education’s Unit for Protecting Children and Adolescents from Violence. 8. Ma’avarim’s flagship project, Gila Project for Trans Empowerment, the Legal Clinic at the University of Haifa, and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, aims to standardize and professionalize the |fqa fW uqEdr fqXEdZEuZfdr Zd uYR ’RbPr fW YREbuYNEqRŧ bfMM~ZdXŧ EdP rnfaRrnRqrfdrYZnŬ 9. The Alliance of Lionesses is an organization for parents and families of gender-diverse children. It has established a comprehensive assimilation system for parents who require support and XvZPEdNR Zd uYRZq NYZbPqRdƆr XRdPRqżEW’qcZdX nqfNRrrRrŬ 10. Commencing the project Change Agents, a collaboration of The Aguda’s LGBTQ Task Force EdP uYR ZbE +qf`RNu Wfq 1qEdr cnf|RqcRduŧ EZcRP Eu RruEMbZrYZdX Ed fW’NZEb PEuEMErR fd XRdPRqż diverse children and youth and opening a training school for therapists to support and assist privately or in groups. 11. In 2023, the Ministry for Social Equality will collaborate with the trans community organizations – Ma’avarim, Trans Israel, and the Gila Project for Trans Empowerment. 12. The Hoshen organization continues to broaden tolerance education via workshops and lectures in various frameworks in Israel, mainly in the educational system for students from seventh grade and up and the staff from kindergarten to high school. Hoshen aims to become acquainted with the LGBTQ community directly and provide practical tools for creating an inclusive and safe space for youth in schools. In addition, Hoshen held a continuing education course for teachers, and dozens attended nationwide. 13. The opening of the Drorim shelter, a long-term facility for LGBTQ youth in Ness Ziona, which also accommodates children on the trans spectrum. The facility is funded and supervised by the Ministry of Social Affairs and is operated by Otot Israel (which also heads Beit Dror). The center provides 16 beds for LGBTQ youth from all over the country. 14. In 2023, Hoshen’s objective is to continue its operation and succeed, despite the public climate, predicting that due to the current situation, youth need the support of Hoshen more than ever. In addition, Hoshen will continue to conduct and intensify its training and continuing education courses targeting a broader group of teachers. 15. The Alliance of Lionesses will commence in 2023, accompanied by educational staff for children who come out of the gender closet. The Alliance of Lionesses will support the children, interacting with the school and parents to create a safe and inclusive space. In addition, they will provide tools, assistance, and lectures so that the children can inhabit an optimum environment and avoid dropping out and social distancing. 16. In 2023, Hoshen and The Alliance of Lionesses will co-establish a register of parents’ chronicles of their personal stories, intended for staff lounges and conversations with parents. The parents’ personal stories will promote understanding and compassion. 17. Hoshen and the Tehila organization are currently co-creating a register of parents of LGBTQ children, chronicling personal stories to present to teaching staff and then participate in an intimate discussion. 18. In 2023, Otot Israel and the Ministry of Social Affairs will co-establish two transitional dwellings in the central region for LGBTQ young men and women who lack family support. 19. IGY's "Marsha" College is an innovative social initiative designed to provide all its students with a holistic-social and occupational solution. The college caters to young LGBTQ individuals who ErnZqR uf nvqrvR {EqZfvr nqfWRrrZfdr EdP ’RbPr fW adf|bRPXRŬ 1YR NfbbRXR rnRNZ’NEbb~ WfNvrRr on providing support to transgender individuals, Arabs, and ultra-Orthodox members of the 1- NfccvdZu~ |Yf R}nRqZRdNR rZXdZ’NEdu PZrNqZcZdEuZfdŬ 1YRrR ruvPRdur RdNfvduRq dfu fdb~ YfcfnYfMZN EuuZuvPRr Mvu Ebrf WENR PZW’NvbuZRr Zd rRNvqZdX Rcnbf~cRduŧ bREPZdX uf rfNZEb R}NbvrZfd and dangerous behavior. In addition, the Aguda continues to run the Legal Aid Project for individuals in the Transgender Spectrum, with the Kalai-Rosen & Co. Advocates providing free legal advice, including legal representation, if necessary.

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

2. Religion and LGBTQ ƃ8YRd uYRqR Zr E nEqEPR bZaR uYEuŧ ~fv YE{R uf rYvu uYR |ZdPf|rŧ EdP uRbb uYR NYZbPqRdŧ ƅ1YRqR Zr E nEqEPR fW MRErur |EbaZdX fd u|f WRRuƆƄ Ų .EMMZ RZq EvŬ In 2022, many LGBTQ-phobic remarks were made by various clerics who cynically used religion to justify LGBTQ-phobic rhetoric. The abusive discourse was expressed by senior rabbis, religious politicians, activists, and conservative organizations’ spokespersons (such as the Family Forum, which comprises the Bocharim BaMishpacha group). The key escalation points in the past year mainly concerned lifestyle, gender identity, and sexual orientation. They claimed that these elements are incongruous with Jewish religious values. Throughout the year, we were exposed to numerous ways in which minority groups and factions endeavored to promote hate lobbying in the media and various organizations. Offensive statements made by public personas from the ultra-Orthodox and religious sectors towards the LGBTQ community have resonated extensively on these sectors’ social networks and popular media platforms. It should be noted that alongside this, quite a few religious elements are very accepting and believe in including the LGBTQ community and use religion to promote cordiality. vNY fW uYR 1-żnYfMZN PZrNfvqrR |Er rnRNZ’NEbb~ uEqXRuZdX ~fvuY XfZdX uYqfvXY XRdPRqż EW’qcZdX nqfNRrrRrŬ 1YZr nYRdfcRdfd qRnqRrRdur E dR| NfdrRq{EuZ{R cf{RcRduŧ |YZNY YEr recently hastened its expressions. It twists Jewish values and cynically manipulates the Jewish religion to justify hatred. This phenomenon in Israel seems to be “importing” similar practices used by conservative organizations abroad. For example, these movements assert that the LGBTQ community seeks to disband the traditional family foundation. The public statements made by these religious elements permeate and create a shocking new reality, endangering Israel’s LGBTQ community. A prominent recent example is from a school in Israel’s central metropolis in January. Students were asked to choose a topic for debate. One student suggested that they discuss “killing all XE~rŧƄ EdP fuYRq ruvPRdur NfduZdvRP |ZuYŦ ƃ:Rrŧ bRrMZEdr rYfvbP PZR uffŬƄ cfdX uYR `vruZ’NEuZfdr for supporting the idea of the extermination: “They spend a whole month stripping in public, and that’s not enough for them;” “this is a Jewish state, and there is no place for them here.” The teacher stated: “A seventh-grader doesn’t say ‘stripping;’ he’s influenced by the Noam party’s posts.” 3 This report was written after the swearing-in of the 2022 elected government. In the months since its inauguration, we have seen a rise in lawsuits by anti-LGBTQ organizations against gay organizations, particularly regarding religious matters. In addition, as reported in the media, the Noam Party has compiled “blacklists” that comprise the names of individuals and journalists that are members of the LGBTQ community as part of an organized plan to chart the “threats” to the party. Major Maltreatment Elements Relating to Religion and LGBTQ When assessing the overall reports of LGBTQ abuse in a religious context, it’s clear that the rfvqNR fW uYR fWWRdPZdX nEquZRr Zr nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ cRPZE nRqrfdEbZuZRrŧ EdP fqXEdZEuZfdr |ZuY religious elements or whose statements are based on religion. Among the personas are Knesset members, politicians, senior rabbis, community leaders, etc. The second category includes journalists, influencers, publicists, etc. The third are organizations such as Bocharim BaMishpacha, Achva Center, and others. d RWWRNuŧ ĢĥƝ fW uYR .RnfquZdX RduRqƆr qRXZruRqRP NErRr fW EMvrR M~ {EqZfvr nEquZRr PfNvcRdu cEbuqREucRdu M~ nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ cRPZE nRqrfdErŧ EdP qRbZXZfvr fqXEdZEuZfdrŬ

3 Extracted from - https://www.mako.co.il/news-israel/2023_q1/Article-af9df6c7774b581026.htm

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Maltreatment from Public Figures and the Media Compared to Abuse by Other Parties:

Abuse Parties

1-żnYfMZE Wqfc nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ cRPZE personas, and religious fqXEdZEuZfdr 47%

Other abusers 53%

For example, Knesset member Shlomo Karhi stated during a Knesset debate: “What should I call you, sir or madam? The Israeli nation celebrates Chanukah because of Hellenists like you!” 4 Another statement was made by Rabbi Zvi Yisrael Tao during an interview: “They hurt them in such a terrible way that they should not be cured. These homosexuals, these perverts, are miserable people ...;” Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, one of religious Zionism’s leading rabbis: “As a result of postmodernist ideological effects, cognitive science has been reversed. It was believed that the phenomenon was not normal until a generation ago. The recruitment of those suffering from single-gender predisposition in the U.S. Army was not allowed, based on a mental health clause.” 5 A review of the overall reports associated with religion - LGBTQ-phobic expressions related to qRbZXZfd EdPŲfq EMvrR EW’bZEuRP |ZuY qRbZXZfd ŸrvNY Er uYR fNYEqZc E ZrYnENYEŹ Ż rYf|r that nearly half of all the mistreatments reported this year came from events with religious characteristics - 42%. Abuse Sphere: Comparison of Reports Associated and Unassociated with Religion:

Reports associated with religion 42%

Report Types

Reports unassociated with religion 58%

4 Extracted from - https://twitter.com/KnessetT/status/1600473930602455043?s=20&t=Iylqq970nqW-fUA82WE_eg 5 Extracted from-https://www.inn.co.il/news/583579

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

Differentiation by Gender Identity The group that suffers the most from LGBTQ-phobia associated with religion (whether in the qRbZXZfvr NfduR}uŧ NZ{Zbŧ YZXYŧ fq bf|żbR{Rb nvMbZN ’XvqRrŧ fq 1-żnYfMZE MErRP fd ruEuRcRdur related to religion) are those on the trans spectrum. Of the overall registered maltreatment associated with religion, 72% were directed at the trans community. Israeli Academia ƃ bRNuvqRq XE{R vr Ed ErrZXdcRdu uf |qZuR E YZrufq~ nEnRqŬ NYfrR 1- YZrufq~ŧ EdP |YRd I presented it to the class, the lecturer stopped me and said that it was not history. I felt very YvcZbZEuRPű uYR bRNuvqRq PZP dfu R{Rd bRu cR ’dZrY rnREaZdXƄ Ų .Ŭŧ rqERbƆr !fquYRqd ZruqZNuŬ In the past year, we witnessed repeated attempts by radical conservative organizations to use uYR R|ZrY qRbZXZfd uf PRXqEPR fuYRqrŬ 1YR~Ɔ{R Zd’buqEuRP ruvPRdu ENEPRcZN WENZbZuZRr ZduRdPZdX to debase the LGBTQ community lifestyle, aiming to recruit students to join them and oppose content that they believe harms the values of the traditional “heteronormative” family. They focus on various areas, such as curriculum and student activities of the gay fraternity, which collaborate with the National Student Union in educational institutions. Community Coping "... Since research has substantiated that there are people with an innate sexual orientation, I wanted to challenge the Jewish assertion. I knew of a religious man who is not attracted to |fcRdŧ EdP vdPRqruffP uYEu uYZr |fvbP dfu NYEdXRŧ rf |EduRP uf ’dP E YEbENYZN rfbvuZfd Wfq uYEu R|ZrY cEdŬ qRuvqdRP uf YZc EdP ufbP YZc uYEu fP NqREuRP YZc Er YR ZrŬŬŬ 1f rE~ŧ ƅ~fv PfdƆu change because you don’t want to,’ is a violation of the commands: ‘love your neighbor as thyself,’ ƅ f dfu YEqc fdR EdfuYRqŧƆ ƅ f dfu NEvrR rfqqf| uf fuYRqrŧƆ EdP cfqRŬŬŬƄ Ų .EMMZ EbaE +Zfuqaf{raZŬ 6 As mentioned, this year’s public religious discourse towards the LGBTQ community escalated EdP ZduRdrZ’RP uYR qZWu MRu|RRd uYR qRbZXZfvr EdP uYR XE~ NfccvdZu~Ŭ 1- NfccvdZu~ members are integral to all social sectors, including ultra-Orthodox, religious, and observant LGBTQ individuals. The observant-religious LGBTQ public and its supporters from religious groups advocate acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Thus, the importance of the religious LGBTQ organizations’ endeavors in the past year. Facing the darkness of the LGBTQ-phobic threats, they created a light at the end of the tunnel. 1YRrR 1- qRbZXZfvr fqXEdZEuZfdr YE{R rZXdZ’NEdub~ ErrZruRP qRbZXZfvr 1- ZdPZ{ZPvEbr fd the spectrum of religious beliefs and the continuum of gender identities. They supported and helped them experience harmony and balance regarding their religious and LGBTQ identity. 1. Bat-Kol’s Your Way center was co-established with the Ministry for Social Equality. Its objective is to provide remote online and discreet support for religious and ultra-Orthodox women - lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The center supports its members by listening to their stories, talking with rabbis or a halachic counselor, sharing experiences and feelings, asking halachic and other questions, and receiving spiritual and halachic advice. 2. Havruta organization affords the religious community assistance and support with various unique services, including speaking to rabbis who assist them throughout the entire process and treatment by professional psychologists, social workers, sexual therapists, and psychiatrists. In addition, they are supported by parents of religious LGBTQ individuals who maintain an LGBTQ WEcZb~ vdZuŧ EdP uYR fqXEdZEuZfdƆr ruEWW Ebrf EZPr uYRcŬ .RNRdub~ŧ uYRqR YEr MRRd E rZXdZ’NEdu increase in the organization’s helpline, especially surrounding the LGBTQ-phobic statements by senior clerics. Hate speech causes anxiety and pressure among religious LGBTQ individuals, especially those in the closet. 3. Havruta co-established the Stop Hamara center with the Tel Aviv Municipality’s LGBTQ Center. 1YR fqXEdZEuZfd EZcr uf ENuZ{Rb~ ’XYu EdP RqEPZNEuR ƃNfd{RqrZfd uYRqEn~ŬƄ 1YR NRduRq qRNRZ{Rr 6 Extracted from - https://www.mako.co.il/pride-news/local/Article-4ef2d8dcd03cd71026.htm

LGBTQ-Phobia 2022 Report

many complaints regarding conversion “therapists” and conversion facilities in Israel. The center recently ’bRP u|f NfcnbEZdur |ZuY uYR ZdZruq~ fW REbuYƆr ZqRNufq RdRqEb EXEZdru Nfd{RqrZfd ƃuYRqEnZrurƄ EdP YEr not yet received a response. ĢŬ fbbEMfqEuZfd |ZuY qRbZXZfvr NfvdNZbr Zd ĠĞĠġ ż Eu fbŧ E ’qru Wfq 1- fqXEdZEuZfdrŧ Zr MqREaZdX dR| ground by cooperating with the Tel Aviv Religious Council. Their vision is to join forces with other religious councils, as well. 5. In 2023, due to the community’s numerous requests and needs, an LGBTQ religious support line will be established, led by Havruta, collaborating with the Ministry for Social Equality. In addition, training will be conducted by the “Someone to Talk to” division of the LGBTQ Aguda Task Force. 6. IGY operates various groups, designated religious schools, learning classes, and treatment centers for girls and gay religious congregation members and ultra-Orthodox homes and communities. 7. In academia, the LGBT Achva organization has intensely labored this year to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ students. Their endeavors include allocating non-gendered services in three educational institutions and addressing LGBTQ topics in an academic course at one of the educational institutions in the northern region. Achva’s main goal for 2023 is to eradicate LGBTQ-phobia and promote their project – “Safe Campus for LGBTQ.” 3. Discrimination While Receiving Services ƃ1YR cEdEXRq fW E bRZrvqR NfcnbR} Zd uYR dfquY ZdruqvNuRP Ed Rcnbf~RR uf PRcEdP uYEu c~ nEqudRq EdP not kiss and keep a distance from each other because there are children and parents who can see us and EqR NfcnbEZdZdXƄ Ų .Ŭŧ rqERbƆr !fquYRqd ZruqZNuŬ 8% of the reports registered at the Reporting Center document incidents of discrimination and abuse suffered in businesses. 10% of the reports document incidents of discrimination and abuse in public institutions (government and state ministries, welfare institutions such as the National Insurance Institute, etc.). Another sphere of discrimination and exclusion of the LGBTQ community is being refused service, including both private and public services. The Reporting Center has registered many events where community cRcMRqr qRnfqu uYEu MvrZdRrr f|dRqr qRWvrRP uf rRbb uYRc E nqfPvNu fq uYEu Xf{RqdcRdu fW’NRr PRNbZdRP to recognize their relationship. This abuse sphere is a common LGBTQ-phobia phenomenon. Still, the second annual quarter has exhibited an increase in this behavior, considering the policies led by Knesset member Orit Strook, who was appointed as the 37th Knesset Minister of National Missions: “As long as there are other doctors who can provide service - a doctor should not be forced to provide treatment that opposes their religious stance.” In other words, any business owner may refuse to provide service to the 1- NfccvdZu~ŧ Wqfc PRd~ZdX ENvuR cRPZNEb MRdR’ur EWWfqPRP uf Ebb rqERbZ NZuZRdr uf uYR nvqNYErR of food, medicines, and more. The original doctrine of the Anti-Discrimination Law is to eradicate discrimination and prevent severe harm to human dignity. Its principle is to protect certain groups in the population, including LGBTQ members. 7 If the amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Law is passed, it will lay the groundwork and provide legitimacy for discriminating against people based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation. LGBTQ individuals will be unable to purchase essential goods or receive services afforded to all citizens just because of uYRZq XRdPRq ZPRduZu~ fq rR}vEb fqZRduEuZfdŬ +vMbZN ’XvqRr EdP nqZ{EuR NZuZRdr YE{R qRZdWfqNRP /uqffaƆr statements. For example, Rabbi Zvi Tao, Har Mor Yeshiva’s president, supported and defended the banquet YEbb f|dRqr ’dRP Wfq qRWvrZdX uf cEqq~ E XE~ NfvnbRŬ 8 Reports of discrimination while searching for an apartment for rental have also been registered at the Reporting Center; however, Israeli law currently lacks clauses that protect LGBTQ individuals from being refused to rent an apartment based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. L.’s report to the center: “We wanted to see an apartment for rent in the central district, asked for details, and arranged to see it on Sunday. Later, we called again to ask another question, and my partner told the landlord that her partner had spoken to him earlier. She told me that she heard the landlord’s wife say ‘no, no, no,’ asked a few more questions, and then said it wasn’t right for him because they are religious.”

7 Extracted from - https://www.idi.org.il/articles/46858 8 Extracted from - https://www.inn.co.il/news/586762