LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL - 2023

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

2023

2023 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

The Aguda

The report was written with:

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Introduction

The Nir Katz Reporting Center releases the LGBTQ-phobia status report in Israel annually. The center's mission is to monitor, document, and address incidents of homophobia that harm members of the LGBTQ+ community. The past year has MRRd nEquZNvbEqb~ NYEbbRdXZdX EdP rZXdZ’NEdu Wfq uYR 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ Zd rqERbŧ marked by determined struggles for the future of Israeli society. Community members' representation has become the most diverse forefront in public spaces. The year began with widespread protests against judicial reform, which saw participation from many within the LGBTQ+ population. Jewish and Arab citizens, secular and religious, men and women, together with members of the LGBTQ+ community, united to defend the values of democracy and equality in Israel. Our community led the struggle at the forefront, standing on the front lines. But that’s not all; following the tragic events of "Black Saturday" on October 7, 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ cRcMRqr fdNR EXEZd qfrR uf NfduqZMvuR rZXdZ’NEdub~Ŭ 1YZr active involvement starkly contrasts with the institutionalized discrimination, violence, and incitement that the community continues to face. In 2024, LGBTQ+ ZdPZ{ZPvEbr ruZbb ’dP uYRcrRb{Rr ’XYuZdX Zd Nfvquŧ NYEbbRdXZdX uYRZq f|d Nfvduq~ for fundamental rights. This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of LGBTQ-phobia, discrimination, and exclusion faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Israel throughout 2023. The data clearly illustrates how the state of Israeli society directly impacts the condition of the LGBTQ+ community. Repeatedly, the LGBTQ+ community serves as a barometer for the level of liberalism in society, cEaZdX uYRc WqRpvRdu uEqXRur fW NfdrRq{EuZ{R EdP EduZż 1-ƞ nvMbZN fW’NZEbr who aim to undermine the democratic character of the state. 1YZr ~REqŰr 1-żnYfMZE ruEuvr qRnfqu Zr PZ{ZPRP Zduf u|f nEqurŬ 1YR ’qru part highlights a 28% increase in overall LGBTQ phobia (January to October) EdP E rZXdZ’NEdu qZrR Zd NErRr fW {ZfbRdNRŧ ZdNbvPZdX nY~rZNEb EuuENar EXEZdru community members. The second part features research from the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies of The Aguda, which shows that during the Israel-Hamas war, 20% of community members reported experiencing increased LGBTQ phobia compared to the period before the conflict. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope—a sense of unity that emerged during the war and the community's contributions to both civil and military efforts. We wish for more peaceful days for all of Israeli society and hope to see this crisis as an opportunity for growth and change. As integral members of the Israeli mosaic, we will continue to be at the forefront of the struggle for the character of the State of Israel. We are here to stay, and together, we must work towards promoting a just, inclusive, and diverse society for everyone.

Hila Peer Chairperson, The Aguda

Yael Sinai Biblash CEO, The Aguda

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Since 2012, The Aguda - The Association for LGBTQ+ Equality in Israel, has operated the Reporting Center for LGBTQ-phobic incidents, serving as the primary platform in Israel for monitoring and addressing discrimination, harm, and expressions of hatred against LGBTQ+ community members nationwide. The eleventh LGBTQ-phobia status report presents the state of homophobic incidents in 2023, as reported to The Aguda's Reporting Center. This year, following uYR rqERbż EcEr |Eqŧ rZXdZ’NEdu NfdrZPRqEuZfdr |RqR cEPR qRXEqPZdX uYR dEuvqR of the report. The war abruptly altered the fabric of Israeli society, inciting deep fear, concern, and uncertainty among the general public. Despite the LGBTQ+ community's mobilization in support of the national effort, living in an emergency nfrRP rZXdZ’NEdu NYEbbRdXRr Wfq Zur cRcMRqrŬ qfc #NufMRq ĥ fd|EqPŧ uYRqR |Er a notable decrease in reports to the reporting center. In the last quarter of 2023 (October-December), only 136 reports were received, reflecting a 53% decrease compared to similar data from 2022. Research conducted by the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies during the Israel-Hamas war indicates that 20% of community members experienced increased LGBTQ phobia since the start of the war compared to the period before it. ErRP fd uYRrR ’dPZdXrŧ Zu Zr ErrvcRP uYEu uYR PRNqRErR Zd qRnfqur uf 1YR XvPEŰr Reporting Center does not really reflect a reduction in homophobic incidents but rather various barriers to reporting. Consequently, this report addresses LGBTQ nYfMZE Wqfc #NufMRq uf RNRcMRq ĠĞĠġ Er E rRnEqEuR NEuRXfq~ŧ ZdNbvPZdX ’dPZdXr and data on LGBTQ+ experiences during the war concerning LGBTQ-phobia and other contexts. 1YRqRWfqRŧ uYZr ~REqŧ |R ruqvNuvqRP uYR qRnfqu Er Wfbbf|rŦ 1YR ’qru nEqu nqRrRdur uYR status based on reports received by The Aguda's Reporting Center from January 1, 2023, to October 1, 2023. The second part addresses the status of LGBTQ+ individuals during the war, based on data collected by the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies through a national survey mapping the needs of the LGBTQ+ community during the Israel-Hamas war. This survey was conducted as a joint initiative by a group of local authorities in collaboration with The Aguda, with data collected between December 5, 2023, and December 21, 2023. The total number of reports received this year on LGBTQ-phobic incidents is 1,063 (from January 1 to October 1). This marks a concerning increase of 28% in reports of LGBTQ-phobic incidents in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, continuing an upward trend in the number of reports to the center over the years. 1

1 fq cRuYfPfbfXZNEb qRErfdrŧ uYZr ~REqŰr qRnfqu nqRrRdur PEuE Wqfc qRnfqur qRNRZ{RP uf uYR qRnfquZdX NRduRq fdb~ŧ and will not, like previous years, present data received from other community organizations.

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL 2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Main Trends Key Data for 2023 Main Trends Key Data for 2023

There was a 2.4-fold increase in reports of LGBTQ-phobic incidents in public spaces out of the total reports for that year

28% increase in the number of reports of overall LGBTQ-phobic incidents 2

1.5 times increase in reports of harm to cisgender women in public spaces

About a 16% increase in the number of reports received from trans individuals

93% increase in reports of severe incidents, including violence

28%

1.5

16%

2.4

93%

2023 2022

26% 17%

503 431

2023 2022

2023 2022

38.5% 16%

1063 829

2023 2022

2023 2022

259 134

An analysis of monthly reporting rates to the Reporting Center highlights two peak periods fW 1-żnYfMZN ZdNZPRdur Zd ĠĞĠġŬ 1YR ’qru nREa fNNvqqRP PvqZdX +qZPR fduY Zd vdRŧ E recurring phenomenon observed in previous years, showing a steady increase year over year. 1YZr ~REqŧ nEquZNvbEqb~ YEqrY YfcfnYfMZN ruEuRcRdur Wqfc nvMbZN fW’NZEbrŧ ZdNbvPZdX :ZuYEa Pindrus of the United Torah Judaism party, concerning the parade were noted. Such statements likely contribute to an environment that fosters LGBTQ phobia. fq uYR ’qru uZcRŧ |R Ebrf fMrRq{RP EdfuYRq nREa Zd qRnfqur PvqZdX EqNY ĠĞĠġŧ |ZuY ğġƝ fW total reports for the year, compared to 4% in 2022. This sharp rise can be attributed to a turning nfZdu Zd uYR `vPZNZEb qRWfqcŬ d EqNYŧ +qZcR ZdZruRq !RuEd~EYv PZrcZrrRP RWRdrR ZdZruRq Yoav Galant following his public opposition to the reform, which sparked widespread protests and violence. In a survey conducted in April 2023 by the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies uZubRP Ű/RdrR fW /EWRu~ Zd uYR +vMbZN /nENR EdP 1qvru Zd uYR +fbZNRŧŰ E rZXdZ’NEdu cE`fqZu~ fW LGBTQ+ community members reported that their sense of safety in public spaces in recent cfduYr YEr PRNbZdRPŬ /nRNZ’NEbb~ŧ ĥģƝ fW NZrXRdPRq cRdŧ ĥĥƝ fW NZrXRdPRq |fcRdŧ EdP ĦĠƝ fW transgender individuals experienced decreased safety levels. Additionally, 77% of respondents expressed a lack of trust in the police to protect them. Indeed, the LGBTQ+ community faced rvMruEduZEb nY~rZNEb EdP {RqMEb {ZfbRdNR Eu {EqZfvr nqfuRru rZuRr ENqfrr uYR Nfvduq~ Zd EqNY 2023. Incidents included verbal abuse, flag tearing, and severe physical assaults, marking an unprecedented level of violence against the LGBTQ+ community during that period. Participants in the survey shared: "I feel that recently there is more legitimacy for bigots, and I feel unsafe even in Tel Aviv." "It scares me to walk around with a pride flag and hang it on my balcony. It scares me to walk in the street, and people will know I am part of the LGBTQ+ community." An analysis of monthly reporting rates to the Reporting Center highlights two peak periods fW 1-żnYfMZN ZdNZPRdur Zd ĠĞĠġŬ 1YR ’qru nREa fNNvqqRP PvqZdX +qZPR fduY Zd vdRŧ E recurring phenomenon observed in previous years, showing a steady increase year over year. 1YZr ~REqŧ nEquZNvbEqb~ YEqrY YfcfnYfMZN ruEuRcRdur Wqfc nvMbZN fW’NZEbrŧ ZdNbvPZdX :ZuYEa Pindrus of the United Torah Judaism party, concerning the parade were noted. Such statements likely contribute to an environment that fosters LGBTQ phobia. fq uYR ’qru uZcRŧ |R Ebrf fMrRq{RP EdfuYRq nREa Zd qRnfqur PvqZdX EqNY ĠĞĠġŧ |ZuY ğġƝ fW total reports for the year, compared to 4% in 2022. This sharp rise can be attributed to a turning nfZdu Zd uYR `vPZNZEb qRWfqcŬ d EqNYŧ +qZcR ZdZruRq !RuEd~EYv PZrcZrrRP RWRdrR ZdZruRq Yoav Galant following his public opposition to the reform, which sparked widespread protests and violence. In a survey conducted in April 2023 by the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies uZubRP Ű/RdrR fW /EWRu~ Zd uYR +vMbZN /nENR EdP 1qvru Zd uYR +fbZNRŧŰ E rZXdZ’NEdu cE`fqZu~ fW LGBTQ+ community members reported that their sense of safety in public spaces in recent cfduYr YEr PRNbZdRPŬ /nRNZ’NEbb~ŧ ĥģƝ fW NZrXRdPRq cRdŧ ĥĥƝ fW NZrXRdPRq |fcRdŧ EdP ĦĠƝ fW transgender individuals experienced decreased safety levels. Additionally, 77% of respondents expressed a lack of trust in the police to protect them. Indeed, the LGBTQ+ community faced rvMruEduZEb nY~rZNEb EdP {RqMEb {ZfbRdNR Eu {EqZfvr nqfuRru rZuRr ENqfrr uYR Nfvduq~ Zd EqNY 2023. Incidents included verbal abuse, flag tearing, and severe physical assaults, marking an unprecedented level of violence against the LGBTQ+ community during that period. Participants in the survey shared: "I feel that recently there is more legitimacy for bigots, and I feel unsafe even in Tel Aviv." "It scares me to walk around with a pride flag and hang it on my balcony. It scares me to walk in the street, and people will know I am part of the LGBTQ+ community."

"The most dangerous thing for the State of Israel, more than ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas - is promiscuity. (...) Therefore, in my parallel, I need to prevent not only the Pride Parade but the entire movement" (MK Yitzhak Pindrus). "The most dangerous thing for the State of Israel, more than ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas - is promiscuity. (...) Therefore, in my parallel, I need to prevent not only the Pride Parade but the entire movement" (MK Yitzhak Pindrus).

A threefold increase in the number of reports Zd EqNY ĠĞĠġ compared to EqNY ĠĞĠĠ A threefold increase in the number of reports Zd EqNY ĠĞĠġ compared to EqNY ĠĞĠĠ

March

June

Between January , , to October , . 2

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Percentage of Reports to the Reporting Center by Month - 2023

21%

Months of war

13%

A threefold increase in the number of reports

9%

9%

8%

8%

7%

7%

6%

5%

3%

3%

January February March April

May

June

July

August

September October November December

Percentage of Reports to the Reporting Center by Month – not including the war months

20%

13%

12%

10%

10%

10%

9%

9%

8%

January February March April

May

June

July

August

September

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LGBTQ-phobic Incidents by Geographical Area: 3 fru qRnfqur uYZr ~REq EXEZd NEcR Wqfc uYR 1Rb {Z{ EqRE ŸĢģƝŹŧ Wfbbf|RP M~ Jerusalem and its surroundings (20%), Haifa and its surroundings (18%), Be'er Sheva and its surroundings (11%), and the Sharon area and its surroundings (7%). Compared to 2022, the geographical distribution in reports remained and even continued to rise slightly in Jerusalem (17%), Haifa (17%), and Tel Aviv-Jaffa (43%). These reports indicate that the country's metropolitans do not constitute a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals in Israel.

Sharon 7%

Be’er Sheva 11%

Haifa 18%

Jerusalem 20%

Tel Aviv area 45%

LGBTQ-phobic Incidents by Age: 76% of the total reports are among people aged 19 to 40. This year, there has been a threefold increase in reports of LGBTQ-phobic incidents among people aged 51 and over. While in 2022, the rate of older adults over 50 reporting incidents stood at only 2% of all reports, in 2023, it stood at 6%. This data presents a worrying picture for an older population that experienced a drastic increase in reports. There is also a slight increase in reports from people aged 40-51, with 10% in 2023 compared to 7% in 2022. It is important to note that there are other reporting mechanisms when it comes to incidents involving children and youth. Therefore, it can be assumed that the big picture will differ when these reports are examined.

26%

27%

23%

10%

8%

6%

2% 2022

<18

19-24

25-30

31-40

41-50

51+

3 Does not include reports of harm nationwide that is not associated, such as media expression or expression on social networks, as well as a number of reported cases without a location.

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Pansexuals/Polysexuals Asexuals/Aromantics 6%

LGBTQ-phobic Incidents by Sexual Orientation Gay men report incidents in the nvMbZN rnENR Eu E rZXdZ’NEdub~ higher rate than lesbians. Gay men report 56% of the incidents compared to 23% of the incidents reported by lesbian women. !R{RquYRbRrrŧ E rZXdZ’NEdu increase can be seen in reports of harm to cisgender women in the public space, with 26% of reports in 2023 compared to 17% in 2022.

Gays 56%

Hetrosexuals 4%

Bisexuals 11%

Sexual Orientation

LGBTQ-phobic Incidents by Gender Identity 4 *The unique incidents of trans individuals will be broadly addressed in a later separate chapter. Trans individuals report a very high rate of LGBTQ-phobic incidents relative to their proportion in the LGBTQ+ population. While, according to recent estimates, trans individuals make up about 15% of the LGBTQ+ community, nevertheless 54% of the total reports received came from this group. In 2022, trans women constituted 15% of the total reports; in 2023, there was a dramatic increase, and now they make up 27% of the total reports of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Among trans men, E rZXdZ’NEdu ZdNqRErR Zr Ebrf rRRdŧ |ZuY ğĠƝ fW uYR ufuEb qRnfqur Zd ĠĞĠĠ EdP ğħƝ in 2023. Cisgender men (gay men) reported in 2023 twice as much as cisgender women (31% compared to 15%, respectively). Lesbians 23% 5

13% Cisgender woman 15%

Gender Identity

Trans individuals 54%

26% Cisgender men 31%

4 Based on the data of the Aguda's reporting center (not including reports on the internet and in the press/media). 5 Data from of the U.S. Census Bureau, which are also validated in studies conducted at the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies.

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Main Incident Areas in 2023 Examining the areas where LGBTQ-phobic incidents occurred in 2023, the following cEZd uqRdPr NEd MR PZruZdXvZrYRPŦ fru fW uYR qRnfqur ŸģĦŬĥƝŹ EqR EMfvu 1-ż phobic incidents that occurred in the media and social networks. These incidents include offensive statements towards the whole community or parts of it. Out of all the areas of incidents, except the media and social networks, it emerges: A high proportion of reports (41.3%) reflect injuries during interpersonal interactions in various physical spaces. 15.9% of the reports reflect injuries in shared public spaces such as residential neighborhoods, streets, etc. 6

The proportion of reports of LGBTQ-phobic incidents out of total reports - by space, including media and social networks

The Media (press, television, radio, etc.) 8.4%

Religious Institutions 0.3%

Public Transportation 1.2% Police & IDF 1.6%

Healthcare 1.6%

Internet & Social networks 50.3%

Schools 1.7%

Higher-educational Institutions 2.2% 2.2% Workplace (as an employee)

Areas of Incidents

Businesses 2.6%

Public Institutions 5.6%

Private Homes (own home or someone else's) 6.6%

Public Spaces (streets, neighborhoods, recreational spaces) 15.9%

6 +vMbZN rnENRŧ nqZ{EuR rnENRŧ nvMbZN ZdruZuvuZfdrŧ uYR ŧ YZXYRqżRPvNEuZfdEb ZdruZuvuZfdrŧ MvrZdRrrRr EdP cfqRŬ

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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The proportion of reports of LGBTQ-phobic incidents out of total reports - by space, excluding media and social networks

1.9% Other

Public spaces (streets, neighborhoods, recreational spaces) 38.5%

1.5% Municipal Institutions 1.1% Police 1.6% Educational Spaces (Not High Education) 2% IDF

2.9% Public Transportation 3% Civil & Religious Courts 3.3% Healthcare 3.7% Higher-educational Institutions 4.1% Schools

Areas of Incidents

5.3% Workplace (as an employee)

Private homes (own home or someone else's) 15.9%

6.4% Busineses

Public Institutions 9%

The data reveals that the rate of incidents in public spaces rose to 38.5% of the total incidents when excluding media statistics, marking the highest reported rate. This is followed by incidents in private home spaces, which account for 15.9%. 1YR rZXdZ’NEdu ZdNqRErR Zd {vbdRqEMZbZu~ Wfq uYR 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ Zd nvMbZN rnENRr may be attributed to the indirect consequences of the judicial reform. Beyond the reform's potential to directly impact the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Israel by weakening judicial protections, it has also created conditions of increased violence and demonstrations in public spaces. In times of public unrest, minority groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, are often the most affected. Community cRcMRqr |Yf EuuRdPRP PRcfdruqEuZfdr |ZuY 1-ƞ r~cMfbr fq {ZrZMbR ZPRduZ’Rqr R}nRqZRdNRP {RqMEb EdP nY~rZNEb {ZfbRdNRŬ vquYRqcfqRŧ R}nqRrrZfdr fW YEuqRP M~ Xf{RqdcRdu fW’NZEbr PvqZdX uYR qRWfqc EdP rvMrRpvRdu nqfuRrur EnnREq uf YE{R fostered a sense of legitimacy for hateful and violent actions against LGBTQ+ individuals among radical elements of the public. 7

7 Streets, recreational spaces in neighborhoods, public transportation and more.

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Main areas of LGBTQ-phobia incidents in 2023 The Area of LGBTQ-phobia incidents based on gender identity towards trans individuals:

Trans Community Incidents

The Rest of The Community

3.5 Times More

As mentioned in the opening chapter, the rate of LGBTQ-phobia incidents towards the trans community is nearly three and a half times more than the rate of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Therefore, this issue deserves to be thoroughly examined in a separate area. Trans women are harmed more than trans men - 27% of trans women and 19% of trans men. However, there is a noticeable increase in reports from trans men, with twice as many reports in 2023 compared to 2022 (201 reports in 2023 compared to 99 reports in 2022). Where do transphobic incidents occur? 8 14% of the incidents reported to the Reporting Center by trans individuals in 2023 were reports of transphobic events in businesses. This indicates a twofold increase in reports compared to the previous year in this category (7% in 2022). There is also an increase in reports in health and welfare institutions, with 14% in 2023 compared to 8% in 2022. Additional increases were fMrRq{RP Zd qRnfqur Zd fW’NZEb nvMbZN ZdruZuvuZfdr ŸğğƝ Zd ĠĞĠġ NfcnEqRP uf ĦƝ Zd ĠĞĠĠŹ EdP a sevenfold increase in reports of transphobia in the police and prison system (7% in 2023 compared to 1% in 2022).

21% Public Spaces

1% IDF Institutions

Healthcare 14%

2% Higher-Educational Institutions

5% Schools

Areas of Incidents

6% Public Transportation

Private Homes 14%

6% Workplace (as an employee)

7% Police

Businesses 14%

Public Institutions 11%

8 !fu ZdNbvPZdX RPZE EdP /fNZEb !Ru|fqar

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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41-50 2%

Report Rate by Age Group in the Trans Community Incidents involving trans children are notably higher compared to the overall LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, 19% of incidents involving trans individuals affected minors under the age fW ğĦŬ fq ZdruEdNRŧ uYRqR |Er uYR NErR fW Ŭŧ Ed 11-year-old trans student from central Israel. The parents of A.'s classmates collectively petitioned the school administration to prevent A. from attending school, claiming it harmed their children. Trans children face unique challenges. Unlike adults, trans minors often cannot detach from unsupportive or hostile environments. At home, they remain dependent on their families and must attend school by law, where they may encounter discrimination, bullying, intolerance, and a lack of LGBTQ+ support resources. These challenges create an unsafe space for

31-40 33%

51+ 6%

25-30 17%

Age Distribution

< 18 19%

19-24 24%

trans children, leading to unresolved questions about their gender identity and sexual orientation, qRrvbuZdX Zd rZXdZ’NEdu NfdWvrZfd EdP rvWWRqZdXŬ 1YR EMrRdNR fW WEcZb~ rvnnfqu EdP E rEWR rNYffb environment is exacerbated by various "family organizations." These groups, under the guise of protecting children, disseminate homophobic and transphobic content, further harming trans youth. Roni Sassover, a prominent activist within these family organizations, frequently speaks against "harmful" medical interventions provided to trans children at a young age and irreversible gender EW’qcZdX nqfNRPvqRrŬ /YR NbEZcrŧ |ZuYfvu R{ZPRdNRŧ uYEu vnfd qRENYZdX EPfbRrNRdNRŧ uYRrR children wish to revert to their biological sex, but it is "too late." Such assertions are echoed by cEd~ WEcZb~ fqXEdZEuZfdrŧ Ebbf|ZdX uqEdrnYfMZN qYRufqZN uf Zd’buqEuR rNYffbr vdPRq uYR nqRuRdrR fW concern for the children's future, ultimately harming them. LGBTQ-phobic Reports by Geographical Area:

Jerusalem 11%

Be’er Sheva 2%

Tel Aviv area 42%

Sharon 11%

Haifa and the North 34%

42% of the reports regarding trans individuals come from the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, and 34% from Haifa and the north. The proposed explanation is that these areas offer more services and resources to community members, attracting a higher concentration of people. Tel Aviv and Haifa have a social support network and a concentration of available medical, social, and employment resources. As a result, there are more interpersonal encounters, and the likelihood of conflicts and incidents of LGBTQ-phobia increases. A similar phenomenon is observed in trans children, who come to these central cities and are more exposed to conflicts with their surroundings. Trans individuals are not only subjected to a higher rate of incidents but also to more intense ZdNZPRdurŧ Wfq R}EcnbRŧ Zd uYR qREbc fW nY~rZNEb {ZfbRdNRŬ ĠĞĠġ |Er E ~REq ’bbRP |ZuY PZrNqZcZdEuZfd in receiving services in medical institutions and violence in public spaces. The daily reality faced by trans individuals is particularly challenging. The incidents this population suffers from are severe and prevent the ability to operate safely in the space and manage a regular life routine. 9

9 The Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies.

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The Area of Violence in the Public Space: Rate of Violent Incidents in 2023 compared to 2022 10

2023 2022

93%

A 93% increase in cases of violence compared to 2022

2023 2022

127%

A 127% increase in physical violence compared to 2022

2023 2022

76%

A 76% increase in cases of damage to property compared to 2022

2023 2022

53%

A 53% increase in cases of blackmail and threats compared to 2022

The LGBTQ+ community in Israel has faced a longstanding history of exclusion, discrimination, and violence. Historically, the Supreme Court has been a pivotal institution in safeguarding the rights of community members and addressing inequality in resource EbbfNEuZfdŬ f|R{Rqŧ uYR `vPZNZEb qRWfqc EddfvdNRP M~ uYR vruZNR ZdZruRq Eu uYR MRXZddZdX fW ĠĞĠġŧ EdP Zur rvMrRpvRdu nqfXqRrrZfdŧ YEr qEZrRP rZXdZ’NEdu NfdNRqdr |ZuYZd nEqur fW uYR LGBTQ+ community regarding potential threats to their rights as a minority group, particularly in the absence of an independent judicial system to protect them. The public atmosphere surrounding the protests and discussions on judicial reform, as well as the active involvement of the LGBTQ+ community in these demonstrations, has had severe indirect consequences on the sense of security among LGBTQ+ individuals beyond the anticipated impacts of the reform itself. This is evident from the unusually high number of violent incident reports received by the Reporting Center in 2023. These indirect consequences can be categorized into two areas: Violence against community members at demonstrations - incidents such as verbal abuse, insults, flag tearing, and physical violence were reported. These acts are the result of inciting and divisive rhetoric and a lack of condemnation from governmental elements, primarily affecting minority groups. Consequently, LGBTQ+ demonstrators faced assaults for holding hands with their partners or for carrying the pride flag. Daily violence against community members amid the reform - this year, there has been ZdNZuZdX EdP PZ{ZrZ{R qYRufqZN Wqfc NRquEZd nvMbZN fW’NZEbr EdP fnZdZfd bREPRqrŬ 1YR PZqRNu impact of this incitement was evident in the demonstrations, but it also permeated other aspects of daily life for LGBTQ+ individuals. The increase in reports of violent incidents against the community underscores the perceived legitimacy for individuals and groups to act violently in public spaces. "I heard a group of teenagers on the street planning to remove the pride flag hanging on my house's window. I started to see sticks and flag-pulling from below and approached the window to scare them off. When I approached, and they saw me, some indeed fled, and others began to curse me, threaten, and call out phrases like 'Come down, let's see if you're a man.' To minimize interaction, I moved away from the window into the house, and the teenagers began throwing stones and bricks towards my house's window for a few minutes until they broke the window."

10 Physical violence, damage to property, blackmail and threats.

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Incident Report Rate by Space - Focusing on the Public and Private Space:

Public Space 38.5%

Incident Space

Other

45.6%

Private Homes 15.9%

The public space constitutes 38.5% of the reports that reached the Reporting Center in 2023, compared to 22% in 2022. This space includes the neighborhood, street, public recreation, etc. Community members are attacked in shared public spaces due to displaying LGBTQ+ symbols or behaving in a way marked by the attackers as associating them with the LGBTQ+ community. The second-largest incident space is the private home, with a rate of 15.9% of the total reports, which also saw an increase compared to 12% in 2022. This year, the reports to the Reporting Center highlighted reports of tearing pride flags from private homes. These incidents present a worrying picture - LGBTQ+ individuals experience violence not only for participating in legitimate protest activities but also give way to continued persecution and aggression in other public and private spaces alike. This further damaged the sense of security of community members, and the safe spaces rZXdZ’NEdub~ rYqEdaŬ

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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LGBTQ-phobia During the War The data presented in this section was collected by the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies – The Aguda, as part of a national survey mapping the needs of the LGBTQ+ community during the Israel-Hamas war. The survey was conducted as a joint initiative of local authorities and The Aguda. The data was collected between December 5, 2023, and December 21, 2023. One thousand and two respondents ZPRduZW~ZdX Er 1-ƞŧ EXRP ğĤ EdP f{Rqŧ Edr|RqRP uYR rvq{R~Ŭ 1YR ’dEb rEcnbR included 797 respondents. qfc uYR rvq{R~ ’dPZdXrŧ uYR Wfbbf|ZdX PEuE RcRqXRrŦ fru NfccvdZu~ cRcMRqr ŸģħƝŹ nEquZNZnEuRP ENuZ{Rb~ Zd NZ{ZN {fbvduRRq ZdZuZEuZ{Rr and operations during the war. Additionally, many community members were called up for reserve duty during the war: 28% of men aged 21-40 served/are serving in the reserves, and among 34% of the reserve recruits who are also in a relationship, both partners were called up. The survey shows that some of them are required to deal with LGBTQ-phobia as an integral part of military service. However, alongside these data indicating impressive civic mobilization of LGBTQ+ populations for national tasks, the survey data shows that the sense of personal commitment does not necessarily translate into a sense of comfort or belonging for many. In fact, a high rate among the respondents - 46% - reported that they do not feel comfortable as LGBTQ+ in the place where they live today (mainly those whose place of residence changed due to the war). 20% reported being exposed to more LGBTQ phobia during the war compared to the period before it. 11

Rate of Military Recruitment Among Men Aged 21-40 & Participants in Civic Operations and Initiatives During the War

59%

28%

Rate of Participants in Civic Operations and Initiatives During the War

Rate of Military Recruitment Among Men Aged 21-40

11 .RrREqNY uREcŦ E~E fEaŧ 2qZ ~Zaŧ ZPRd fqZ 7EEdEŧ !fEc ZqEYZŬ .RrREqNY ZqRNufqŦ qŬ /ZXEb ffbPZd

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Rate of Both partners serve/served in the reserves

Both partners serve/served in the reserves 34%

One of the partners serves/served in the reserves 66%

Sense of Comfort as LGBTQ+ in the Place of Residence

32%

33%

22%

10%

Uncomfortable 3%

Neutral

Less Comfortable

Comfortable

Very Comfortable

ů f |R YE{R uf PZR Zd E uRqqfqZru EuuENaŲ uYR qRrRq{Rr ’qru EdP uYRqRM~ nqf{R fvq bf~Ebu~ uf fvq nRfnbR and our country, and only then will we gain legitimacy? Is that the way?" "In the meeting with the unit in the reserves, there was a lot of open LGBTQ-phobia and statements that I have no legitimacy to exist and that I need to change." "Regarding LGBTQ+ weddings in the army and the participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the army or their falling made me understand that we are not equal unless we are in the mainstream of the army." The war affects LGBTQ-phobic experiences at different intensities among community members, and again, the trans community is more affected. While 20% of respondents reported being exposed to more LGBTQ phobia since October 7, the percentages are even higher among the trans community. 39% of trans individuals reported being exposed to more LGBTQ phobia since the start of the war. The survey also shows that many respondents, especially from the trans population, suffer from an escalation of views and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ population, calls against the "progressive cEPdRrrŧů EdP uYR ErrvcnuZfd uYEu uYR RduZqR 1-ƞ NfccvdZu~ ZPRduZ’Rr |ZuY EcErŬ 1YZr increases the sense of hostility and fear. "Inciting calls to harm trans individuals following reports of Queers for Palestine, general intolerance for identity diversity." "Personally, I was mainly exposed to verbal violence, many accusations of LGBTQ+ and trans in particular as collaborators with Hamas"

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Exposure to LGBTQ-phobia Since October 7 Since October 7 I feel more/less exposed to LGBTQ phobia

Exposed to Less LGBTQ-phobia 11%

Other 22%

Exposed to more LGBTQ-phobia 20%

No Change 47%

39% 15%

Yes

No

28%

59%

Not Sure

33%

27%

Identify as trans

Does Not identify as trans

qfc uYR rvq{R~ŧ Wfvq cEZd uqRdPr RcRqXR uYEu NYEqENuRqZR uYR u~nRr fW 1-żnYfMZE uf |YZNY uYR respondents were exposed Derogatory and offensive representations of queerness in public discourse "(Discourse) belittling trans individuals." Blaming the LGBTQ+ community for the events of October 7 "They called me a Hamas terrorist several times just because I am trans. TV channels also allow themselves to be much more anti-trans." LGBTQ phobia in social encounters in the reserve and regular military service "In a military setting mostly made up of straight men, you hear slurs like 'homo,' 'faggot,' etc. This makes me afraid to be who I am openly." Isolation and hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals - in Israel and abroad "The general feeling is of no way out: the international queer community is hostile towards Israeli queers because they are Israelis, and the Israeli community is hostile towards Israeli queers because they are queers." "LGBTQ-phobic discourse around the LGBTQ+ community abroad and the hatred towards Israel led to LGBTQ-phobia against Israeli queers. This made me glad that I am in the closet and that no one knows I am trans, and it made me realize that it's my only option within the military framework where I serve." 39% of trans individuals answered that they had been exposed to more LGBTQ phobia since October 7. 15% of the entire LGBTQ+ community answered that they have been exposed to more LGBTQ phobia since October 7.

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Positive Change in Society's Perception of the LGBTQ+ Community Following the War: The events of October 7 profoundly impacted Israeli society, compelling it to NfdWqfdu E dR| EdP NYEbbRdXZdX qREbZu~Ŭ cZPru uYR PZW’Nvbu~ EdP nEZdŧ uYRqR emerged a temporary period where hatred and division diminished, giving way to unity and mutual assistance within Israeli society, including towards the LGBTQ+ community. Consequently, this year's report highlights the resilience and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community during the Israel-Hamas war. In the initial days of the conflict, the Coalition of LGBTQ+ Organizations in Israel established a situation center providing various forms of assistance. This included hosting evacuated community members or those without shelter, creating safe spaces, distributing food and supplies, and offering emotional and social support. Concurrently, many community members were recruited into the reserves, security, rescue forces, and private civil initiatives. This mobilization and contribution fostered a spirit of change - a survey conducted by the Israeli Institute for Gender EdP 1- /uvPZRr Zd NfbbEMfqEuZfd |ZuY uYR ZPXEc druZuvuR Zd EdvEq~ ĠĞĠĢ indicates an improvement in public perception of the LGBTQ+ community. The survey, involving 515 respondents aged 18 and above, represents a sample of the Jewish public in Israel. According to the survey, 74.4% of respondents believe that the LGBTQ+ community should receive full equality of rights. This includes 49.2% of religious respondents and 78.4% of Likud voters. Additionally, 72.8% support amending the incitement law also to prohibit incitement based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The survey reveals a positive shift in perception towards the LGBTQ+ community compared to the period before and after the war. Notably, 8% of respondents from the ultra-Orthodox community reported an improved perception of the LGBTQ+ community due to their contribution during the war. Among all respondents, 64% support same-sex marriage, with the backing among Likud voters rising to 69% after the war, compared to 52% before. Additionally, there is an increased desire to expand rights for LGBTQ+ individuals among Likud voters, from 46% before the war to 59% afterward. 12 13

12 .RrREqNY ZqRNufqŦ qŬ /ZXEb ffbPZdŬ .RrREqNY uREcŦ E~E fEa EdP 2qZ /NY|Equ 13 Online survey, conducted using accepted sampling methods, sampling error +/- 4.2%. The data was collected uYqfvXY E ZPXEc druZuvuRŬ

2022 LGBTQ-PHOBIA STATUS REPORT IN ISRAEL

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Summary: This year, amidst one of the most challenging emergencies the State of Israel has faced, with hostages still in Gaza and around 1,500 families mourning their loved ones, the LGBTQ-phobia ruEuvr qRnfqu YEr MRRd PZ{ZPRP Zduf u|f nEqurŬ 1YR ’qru nEqu EPPqRrrRr 1-żnYfMZN ZdNZPRdur in 2023 before the war, while the second part examines the situation of LGBTQ+ individuals during the initial three months of the conflict. 1YR qRnfqu qR{REbr E uqfvMbZdX uqRdPŦ ĠĞĠġ rE| E rZXdZ’NEdu ĠĦƝ ZdNqRErR Zd qRnfqur fW 1-ż phobia to the Reporting Center. The street protests, divisive discourse, and inflammatory ruEuRcRdur M~ dRrrRu cRcMRqr EdP nvMbZN ’XvqRr bRP uf E rvqXR Zd {ZfbRdu ZdNZPRdur EXEZdru the LGBTQ+ community. This period has emboldened extremists to act on their prejudices, resulting in a sharp rise in violent incidents, including flag tearing, physical assaults, and verbal abuse, which became a daily occurrence closely tied to the judicial reform process. LGBTQ+ individuals increasingly felt unsafe in both public and private spaces. During the war, a concerning pattern emerged from the intersection of data from the Israeli Institute for Gender and LGBTQ Studies survey and reports received by the Aguda's Reporting RduRqŬ RrnZuR Ed ZdNqRErR Zd 1- nYfMZEŧ uYRqR |Er E rZXdZ’NEdu PRNqRErR Zd qRnfquZdXŬ This discrepancy is likely due to social illegitimacy and personal guilt in addressing LGBTQ+ identity amidst a national emergency where the entire society is suffering. The events of October 7 thrust us into a new and challenging reality but also momentarily reduced divisive discourse, replacing it with mutual aid and unity. However, current political processes, combined with the ongoing war and its effects on the community, highlight the gaps between rights and duties among the community and suggest that our struggle in the coming year will be even more formidable. The rise of extreme elements within the government and the war's impact on the community underscores the need to vigilantly protect the hard-won rights and strive for those not yet attained. The past year has unequivocally proven that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral and rZXdZ’NEdu nEqu fW rqERbZ rfNZRu~Ŭ RrnZuR uYR NYEbbRdXRrŧ fvq NfccZucRdu uf ENYZR{ZdX Wvbb social, employment, and civil equality remains steadfast. We will not cease our efforts until these goals are realized.

To report an LGBTQ-phobic incident: Online report form on the Aguda's homepage: www.lgbt.org.il

"There is someone to talk to" – The Aguda's helpline for information and support operates: Sunday-Thursday and Saturday evenings from 19:30-22:30 at: 2982* or WhatsApp: 058-6205591 LGBTQ+ community services network : counseling and therapy services, legal assistance, and asylum seeker support. You can contact the Aguda through the website: www.lgbt.org.il or by email: aguda@lgbt.org.il

Nir Katz Nir katz was born on July 18th 1983 to his mother Ayala Katz, And his father Rami Katz (RIP) who has fallen during qRrRq{RP uqEZdZdXŧ fd uYR R{Rdu adf|d Er uYR 1RƆRbZc Disaster in July 1990. Nir was 7 years old at the time. Nir XqR| vn Zd Z{EuE~Zc EdP bEuRq cf{RP uf fPZ~dŬ 8YRd YR was 18, he joined one of the Intelligence cyber units in the ŧ Er E nqfXqEccRqŬ WuRq YZr qRbRErR Wqfc ENuZ{R rRq{ZNRŧ Nir started his academic studies of computer science at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya. After he came out of the closet, and while sharing his life with his partner, Thomas, Nir who has chosen a lifestyle of giving back to the community and believed in strengthening the LGBTQ comminity, was volunteering for the LGBTQ community center as an instructor at The Aguda’s youth club, the “Barnoar”. On Saturday night of August 1st, 2009, at the exit of the Shabbat, A masked man dressed in black walked into the LGBTQ center, on Nahmani st. in Tel Aviv. At that time the youth club, “Barnoar”’s activity was ongoing. The murderous man, holding a loaded gun in his hand, began shooting everyone who was present in the center. The night ended with 10 wounded people, tens of victims of anxiety, and 2 deaths: Liz Trubishi and Nir Katz. E~ uYR~ qRru Zd nRENRŬ