Israeli Soldiers Criticize “Queers for Palestine” Amid Pride Celebrations in New York

Israeli Soldiers Criticize “Queers for Palestine” Amid Pride Celebrations in New York

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Three gay Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, in New York City to celebrate Pride week, have openly criticized the group “Queers for Palestine,” accusing them of having a “fake understanding of human rights,” according to a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post. These soldiers, seeking to connect with Jewish LGBTQ individuals who feel alienated due to the ongoing conflict, shared their experiences and perspectives in an interview with The Post.

Shay Abergil, a 34-year-old paratrooper reservist, discussed the complex relationship that gay and lesbian Israelis now have with the global LGBTQ community. He highlighted the paradox of New York Pride being both a celebrated event and a venue where pro-Palestinian protests can make it feel less welcoming for Israelis.

A Pride Parade in NYC was blocked by pro Palestine protesters.

The alphabet gang and “Queers for Palestine” are so confused right now 🤣 pic.twitter.com/YYG9cy8C9F

— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) June 30, 2024

“We always hear New York Pride being such a great and fun event, but then you have these protests and activists that make the event less fun, it’s even dangerous to wear a Star of David or speak Hebrew out loud,” Abergil  told The Post. He also noted that being openly gay in the IDF is a “non-issue,” but concerns for safety persist outside the military. The Post report noted that when he told his grandmother, who grew up in the Bronx, about his visit to New York, she advised him to conceal his Jewish identity to avoid potential danger.

The soldiers emphasized the stark contrast between the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in Israel and those in Palestinian territories.

Amit Benjamin, a 36-year-old first sergeant major in the IDF, has firsthand experience with the brutal realities of conflict. On October 7, Benjamin led IDF civilian evacuation efforts in the city of Netivot following a deadly Hamas attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Remarkably, this harrowing experience came just two days after Benjamin and his husband discovered they were going to be parents via a surrogate, as per the information provided in The Post report. Reflecting on this period while speaking with The Post, Benjamin emphasized the importance of celebrating life and resilience. “To go through the seventh of October… and stay alive… that’s the time to celebrate,” he said. Benjamin’s daughter Aria, now two months old, represents his personal victory amidst adversity.\

Queers for Palestine protesters just blocked the Pride parade in NYC.

You can’t make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/IF00whcpvv

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 30, 2024

“All the ‘queers for Gaza’ need to open their eyes,” Benjamin told The Post.  “Hamas kills gays … kills lesbians. … queers cannot exist in Gaza.” According to the information provided in The Post report, he highlighted the brutal realities that Palestinian gays face, advocating for equal rights for LGBTQ individuals in Gaza and the West Bank comparable to those enjoyed in Western countries.

The soldiers also highlighted the severe persecution faced by LGBTQ individuals under Hamas rule. In 2016, Hamas killed one of their own leaders, Mahmoud Ishtiwi, on suspicion of being gay, as reported by Haaretz. This act exemplifies the dire situation for LGBTQ Palestinians, many of whom seek refuge in Israel to express their sexuality openly, The Post reported.  Benjamin noted that gay Palestinians often travel to Tel Aviv to find acceptance and freedom, stating to The Post, “There’s nothing happening in Ramallah, everything is happening in Israel.”

Nataniel Haziz, a former IDF sergeant, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the disconnect between the advocacy of groups like “Queers for Palestine” and the actual experiences of LGBTQ individuals in Palestinian territories. “Everyone knows ‘Queers for Palestine,’ but I don’t even know one queer in Palestine,” Haziz remarked to The Post, emphasizing the lack of visible LGBTQ activism and safe spaces within Palestinian areas.

Through their visit and candid discussions, the soldiers aim to raise awareness about the complex intersection of LGBTQ rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They advocate for a more nuanced understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQ individuals in different geopolitical contexts, emphasizing the importance of solidarity rooted in an accurate comprehension of human rights violations.

By sharing their personal stories and the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ Palestinians, the soldiers hope to challenge misconceptions and foster greater awareness and support for those living under oppressive regimes. Their message underscores the need for informed and compassionate advocacy that genuinely reflects the lived experiences of marginalized communities.