By way of introduction to this version of gay Israel the story starts with a commentary on WorldPride held in Jerusalem August 2006 during the war with Hezbollah. It speaks to the difficulties that the Pride hosts encountered and the layers of conflict that seem indelible in Israeli culture today. This story goes beyond WorldPride
Israel is the world’s only Jewish state. It is considered one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East in economic and industrial development. In 2007, Israel had the 22nd-highest gross domestic product per capita of US$33,299. The country is considered the most progressive and tolerant country in the Middle East in terms of gay rights. Common law marriage has already been achieved (which grants most of the official marriage rights to the spouse), but full official gay marriage has not yet been sanctioned. However, same-sex marriages performed elsewhere are recognized. Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and Cyprus are the only countries in the Middle East where homosexuality between consenting adults in private is not illegal and homosexuals are not persecuted under law. Israel is the only country in the Middle East where homosexuals are protected by anti-discrimination laws. Read More. Also see: Islam and Homosexuality.
Name: Israel
Population: 7282000
Capital: Jerusalem - Pop. 747600
Area: 20770 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: Hebrew, Arabic, English
Religion: Judaism
Status of Homosexuality: Legal
Telephone Country Code: 972
Israel – Tel Aviv & North
The modern state of Israel has its roots in the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael), a concept central to Judaism for over 3000 years. After World War I, the League of Nations approved the British Mandate of Palestine with the intent of creating a "national home for the Jewish people." In 1947, the United Nations
Israel – Jerusalem & Central
The modern state of Israel has its roots in the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael), a concept central to Judaism for over 3000 years. After World War I, the League of Nations approved the British Mandate of Palestine with the intent of creating a "national home for the Jewish people." In 1947, the United Nations
Israel – Jerusalem (2006)
Jerusalem downtown–old and new–is like a museum of history. The beautiful limestone buildings and classic architecture create a visually rewarding backdrop to one’s personal imaginings about the sacred and profane acts that happened here. It’s a city of great contrasts, with orthodox Jews, secular gays, conservative Muslims, tourists and Zionist Christian pilgrims wandering the streets
Israel – Tel Aviv 1
Even during the July 2005 war with Hezbollah in Jordan, the beaches were busy with sun-seekers.. Tel Aviv has miles of white sand beaches that attract tens of thousands of Europeans, especially French, in the summer. A mere war didn’t seem sufficient reason to stay away, as the photos indicate. In the mosaic of beach-bums
Israel – Jerusalem Separation Wall
A tour of Jerusalem’s ‘dark side’ was offered free of charge by Amos Gil, chairman of Ir Amim a non-partisan advisory and monitoring organization in Jerusalem that observes and analyses military, political and social events including the construction of the separation wall, begun in 2004. For five disturbing hours, by bus and on foot, we
Israel – Tel Aviv 2
If you want to find the Israel that many gay and lesbian citizens know, go for a stroll along Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Boulevard on any day of the week. You won’t find a gay parade there or the gay center. What you will see are numerous blue and white Israel flags hanging from balconies of
Israel – Jordan via Allenby/ K. Hussein Bridge
The journey from Jerusalem to Amman, Jordan overland is only about 50 miles (80km) but the experience is a long one, taking three or four hours by way of the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge that spans the Jordan River between Israel and Jordan. In Israel, coming and going, there are at least three checkpoints and numerous