In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community, Uri Lev, a 31-year-old resident of Rehovot, fell victim to a hate crime on Friday evening. Lev recounted the harrowing experience in a video, revealing how a stranger confronted him on the central Herzl Street, abruptly asking, “Are you gay?” This seemingly innocuous question quickly escalated into a violent assault.
Lev’s description of the ordeal illustrates the fear and vulnerability many LGBTQ individuals face: “You’re on the pavement, that’s the moment you remember, you’re on the pavement, and now you have to stand up in your city, in your safe place. I didn’t think this would happen to me. Just another statistic, that’s how I feel.” He further added, “You start the evening fine, wanting to go out to a pub in the streets, not a dark city like Be’er Sheva or Ashkelon or Jerusalem.”
Community Support and Outcry
Fortunately, Uri Lev managed to reach one of the nearby bars, where he received help, and later sought medical attention at Kaplan Medical Center. He’s currently being supported by LGBTQ community members as he intends to file a complaint with the police. Alon Offenheimer, the LGBTQ community coordinator at the Rehovot Community Security Authority, emphasized their ongoing support for Lev throughout his case.
The incident has ignited a broader conversation about safety within the community. Zohar Blum, a candidate for city leadership with a background in education, condemned the violence and vowed to provide all necessary assistance to Uri Lev. Blum highlighted the need for a new approach that upholds liberal values and works towards equality for all demographics, including the LGBTQ community.
Asaf Al-Bar, a member of the Rehovot City Council, termed the attack “severe and appalling,” holding politically motivated provocateurs responsible for inciting hatred against the LGBTQ community. He urged a unified call to cease the incitement and pressed law enforcement to address anti-LGBTQ sentiment robustly. Ittal B’tzir Elshich, another council member, stressed the urgent need for the mayor to publicly denounce the incident and demand a thorough police investigation. These incidents serve as stark reminders that despite Rehovot’s reputation for tolerance, it’s imperative to take proactive measures against bigotry and fear.