Awaiting LGBTQ Olim is a rich and diverse lifestyle. Israel offers a wellspring of resources, groups, organizations and events throughout the year across the country.
Below are some of the nationwide resources available to English-speaking Olim:
Services for LGBT Olim:
LGBT Olim
LGBT Olim is the primary address and advocacy organization for LGBT immigrants from around the world, offering support and social networking to acclimate in Israel. For LGBT people who are considering making aliyah or are in the process of making aliyah, LGBT Olim provides answers to LGBT/aliyah-related questions. Post-aliyah, LGBT Olim provides the following services:
– the LGBT English-Speakers Groups: social events in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Be’er Sheva (details below);
– Qulpan: LGBT-friendly Hebrew classes in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and online (details below);
– monthly email newsletter: listing events of interest to LGBT English-speakers across Israel. To sign up, email [email protected].
LGBT English-Speakers Groups:
The LGBT English-Speakers Groups are an initiative of LGBT Olim and organize social events online and across four cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Be’er Sheva). Their goal is to help LGBT people build a social network within the LGBT community without first having to be fluent in Hebrew. Events include communal Shabbat dinners, movie nights, picnics, coffee mornings etc.
Facebook groups and email addresses:
Qulpan:
Qulpan provides free, introductory-level and conversational-level Hebrew classes online and in three cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa) so that LGBT people can practice and improve their language skills in a safe and LGBT-friendly environment. They often cover LGBT-related topics that would not be discussed in a regular ulpan.
Facebook groups and email addresses:
LGBT Centers:
Tel Aviv LGBTQ Center:
Phone: +972-(0)3-525-2895
Email: [email protected]
Address: 22a Tchernikhovski Street, Tel Aviv (inside Gan Meir)
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10:00-22:00
Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance
Email: [email protected]
Address: 4th floor, 1 Shmuel Hanagid Street, Jerusalem
Haifa LGBT Communities House:
Phone: +972-(0)4-665-7667
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rear of 6 Masada Street, Haifa.
Be’er Sheva Proud House
Email: [email protected]
Address: 36 Smilanski Street, Old City, Be’er Sheva.
Other Organizations and Services:
The Aguda – The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel
Phone: +972-(0)3-620-5590
Email: [email protected]
Tehila – Israel’s PFLAG (Parents/Families of Lesbians and Gays)
Phone: +972-(0)9-885-5822
Email: [email protected]
Bat-Kol – For religious lesbians
Phone: +972-(0)54-313-3239 (Mon and Wed, 8-10pm)
Email: [email protected]
Hoshen – LGBT organization for Education and Change
Phone: +972-(0)3-525-2896 ext. 6
Email: [email protected]
LGBTech – Organization to promote LGBT+ diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Email: [email protected]
