Gays, lesbians take pride in their own Israeli birthright

[Ian David]

Gays, lesbians take pride in their own Israeli birthright

NEW YORK - Dancing at gay clubs in Tel Aviv and meeting with gay Israeli soldiers are just two items on the itinerary of a new organized trip to Israel for young Jewish professionals this summer aimed at introducing them to an Israel at the "forefront of gay rights."

Organized by Young Judea Impact, the college and young professionals program of that youth movement, the 10-day luxury "Pride in Israel" trip planned for September will focus on Israel's advancement of gay rights both legally and culturally, the group says.

Highlights will include meeting with gay soldiers, attending the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, speaking with activists and community leaders and learning about the many issues going on in Israel's gay and lesbian community today. Participants will also visit the Open House in Jerusalem which offers support to gay and lesbian Israelis and plant trees in the Pride Forest in the Upper Galilee. "You never thought a trip to Israel could be so gay, you never thought a gay trip could be so Jewish," boasts a press release.

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