LGBTQ-PHOBIA - STATUS REPORT - IN ISRAEL #9

Opening Remarks

The findings of The Nir Katz Reporting Center for 2021 illustrate what we have been fighting for many decades. The center which has been operating since 2012, collects data regarding hatred and discrimination against the LGBTQ community in all areas of life in the Israeli society which illuminates critical and immediate challenges facing the LGBTQ community. This report illustrates a significant increase in the number of cases in the following areas: trans*, encounters with health systems, family life, periphery and notable incidents on social media. Unfortunately, the published data reflects a situation in which LGBTQ discrimination cases are present in all aspects of life: the workplace, during medical services, on social media, in governmental institutions, law and order institutions, in the public sphere and also in private homes. For example, compared to 2020, during 2021 there was a 10% increase in the number of reports of hate crimes and inequality towards all LGBTQ community members. The 2021 report findings present a bleak picture, where every three hours on average, a new case is reported to The Nir Katz Reporting Center; A reality in which the LGBTQ community has found itself subjected to ongoing discrimination for no other reason except their lifestyle. We will continue to act, collect reports, process the data obtained and make it accessible to the general public, so that our important findings will serve the appropriate authorities until full equality to all members in the LGBTQ community in Israel is achieved. As a strong and united community, we clearly know that as long as our struggle for security and equality progresses, so will the manifestations of incitement and violence against us. The great importance of monitoring these cases and publishing them to the Israeli public, is to put a spotlight on the dark places in which the LGBTQ discrimination and hatred movements reside and grow. The Aguda is here and will continue to strive to change the difficult reality of its LGBTQ members - everywhere and in every arena. We cannot be erased from the public sphere, we will not let our security be threatened, and we will insist on the basic right of personal security for each and every one of us.

Nurit Shein & Hila Peer Co-Chairwomen, The Aguda

Ran Shalhavi CEO, The Aguda