Residents of Barl Kazanlson Street in Haifa’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood were taken aback yesterday when they discovered pamphlets in their mailboxes containing incendiary remarks against the LGBTQ+ community. A couple, Ron and his partner, who reside on the street, reported the incident to the authorities after reading the pamphlet’s content. “When we opened the pamphlet and began reading, we understood its nature and promptly informed the police. An officer arrived, investigated, and found that these pamphlets had also been distributed in other buildings,” they recounted.
The pamphlet, spanning about 30 pages, bore the title “Twelve Considerations of the Religious Public Regarding the LGBTQ+ Agenda.” Its opening lines stated, “One of the most charged and controversial issues in our world today is the battle for legitimizing the LGBTQ+ community’s agenda in a society that once deemed it unlawful.” This inflammatory pamphlet has raised concerns among Haifa’s LGBTQ+ residents.
The pamphlet’s distribution, perceived as an act of hate speech, has ignited discussions on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. While strides have been made, global challenges persist, as highlighted by the fact that, as of March 2023, 67 countries still criminalize homosexual activity, and 11 countries continue to enforce the death penalty for it. In Israel, however, significant progress has been observed over the years, with legal support, advocacy, and even parliamentary recognition.
Historical context further amplifies the significance of this issue. Samuel Igra’s book, “Germany’s National Vice: Homosexuality,” documents the rise of LGBTQ+ culture as a precursor to the flourishing of Nazism. The pamphlet draws parallels between LGBTQ+ acceptance and the cultural underpinnings that set the stage for Nazi ideology. The text cites a former police official’s observations about the increasing presence of homosexual groups in Berlin in the early 20th century.
The LGBTQ+ community and allies in Haifa continue to stand united against hatred and discrimination. The recent pamphlet’s distribution is just one manifestation of a broader trend of rising LGBTQ+ intolerance. Despite this challenge, local activists emphasize their commitment to spreading love, acceptance, and tolerance within the city. As investigations proceed and the community seeks justice, Haifa’s LGBTQ+ residents remain resolute in their pursuit of equality and understanding.
In response to the incident, Guy Yigur, a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a Haifa resident, expressed his disappointment, remarking that such actions attempt to undermine the city’s values of coexistence and inclusivity. He urged city officials and law enforcement to take swift action against those inciting hatred.
Avihu Han, the leader of the Green Party and a mayoral candidate for Haifa, echoed these sentiments, denouncing the disturbing pattern and calling on authorities to thoroughly investigate and address the perpetrators of this hate speech.
From the police, a statement was released indicating that an investigation is ongoing. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to recognize the gravity of such incidents and the ongoing fight against intolerance and bigotry.