The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel, known as Agudah, has taken a firm stance amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a recent letter, the umbrella organization for LGBTQ groups in Israel called upon LGBTQ communities worldwide to condemn Hamas’s assault on Israel. This appeal comes as the conflict continues to claim lives, with a significant impact on LGBTQ individuals within the region.
Agudah emphasized that the casualties of this devastating attack include many individuals who identify as part of the global and local LGBTQI+ community. Notable among the LGBTQ Israelis killed by Hamas in the recent violence were Adiel Twito and Daniel Cohen, who tragically lost their lives at a peace music festival near Reim, IDF Cpt. Sagi Golan, who was killed while defending Kibbutz Be’eri, and Alon Toledano, a resident of Sderot who was on his way to a synagogue for holiday prayers.
The letter from Agudah also drew attention to the horrifying nature of Hamas’s actions, stating, “Hamas kidnapped over 220 people – babies and children, young women and men, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. It is confirmed that women and girls were raped, and hostages were tortured and humiliated.” The organization unequivocally labeled these actions as crimes against humanity, in stark violation of both legal and moral standards.
In a call to LGBTQ activists and collectives worldwide, Agudah expressed concern over certain reactions that seemed to condone or rationalize Hamas’s actions. The organization stressed that such responses are contrary to the values and principles of the LGBTQI+ liberation movement. Agudah urged the global LGBTQI+ community to join in condemning these crimes against humanity, emphasizing that taking a clear stand against such atrocities is essential, just as it is for any other act of violence by terrorist organizations or individuals.
Furthermore, Agudah highlighted the constant threat faced by LGBTQ people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where Hamas’s intolerance of LGBTQI+ autonomy and lifestyle choices puts lives at risk on both sides of the conflict. The organization called for a recognition of the complex situation and the need to promote tolerance, inclusion, justice, and dignity while working towards reducing violence.
In closing, Agudah voiced its protest against activists who, under the banner of human rights, justify or support the actions of a brutal, antisemitic, and homophobic terrorist organization like Hamas. The organization reiterated that supporting such terrorism is entirely contradictory to the core values of the LGBTQI+ community.
The call from Agudah stands as a plea for solidarity and condemnation of violence, transcending political views in support of human dignity and the LGBTQI+ community’s values worldwide.