"Same-sex families in a synagogue": a turbulent religious community because of support for the gay community Israel today

A public outcry is taking place in the locality of Efrat in Gush Etzion in the last day, after the initiative of the local youth headquarters to build a work plan for the LGBT community was exposed. Many, but it is still of a clear religious nature.

In a post on the official Facebook page of the Yishuv's youth headquarters, residents were asked to answer a number of questions regarding their attitude toward the LGBT community. And extensive mapping of needs for the LGBT population in the council.

The residents were asked to answer a number of questions, clarifying that "your opinion is important to us. Together we can build a community that has a place for everyone."

It was further clarified that "in Efrat Haim, members of the LGBT population who are an integral part of the council's social fabric."

In the survey, the residents were asked to answer various questions regarding the LGBT community, including whether they are residents who are members of the proud community, or alternatively whether the residents know a relative or acquaintance who is in the LGBT community.

Respondents were also asked how they would define themselves - "woman, man or other".

In a series of questions, the residents were asked what their position was regarding the lifestyle of the sons and daughters of the LGBT population, whether they received the proud community flag, what their position was regarding same-sex families and more.

Man, woman, other, Photo: From the survey

The residents were also asked what their position was regarding the integration of same-sex families, including in the religious community - in the synagogue.

It was also examined whether the residents encountered phobia in the public space in Efrat, including synagogues, youth evenings, events, classes, in the public space and by officials. Establishment of a LGBT forum in the locality "for the advancement of the goals of the LGBT population in Efrat".

The council's initiative, which is considered liberal, may be seen as welcome from the outside, but it is certainly a controversial move in a national religious locality.

Therefore, in the Facebook groups of the locality, a sharp discussion on the subject quickly developed, and in part angry.

Buildings in Efrat, Photo: Dudi Vaknin

"This place is deteriorating day by day," an angry surfer said.

"These are serious things from a Jewish, halakhic, traditional point of view," another respondent was warned.

"Does this mean that flags should be proudly hoisted throughout the settlement? There are things that are important to do for which secrecy is good," added another surfer.

Guys, the LGBTs exist in Efrat.

They are an integral part of the community, of the family, "another resident asked to express her support and try to soften the anger." These are not people who have moved here.

They are our children, the children of our friends, the friends of our children.

They did not choose to be like that but in the current situation they choose to leave the community because they feel they have no place here.

This is what needs to change.

It is not enough for a second time to make a modest event and say that it is a matter of mental supervision.

We need to broadcast that they are a part of us naturally and not make a fuss about it. "

Some of the responses, accompanied by harsh words, provoked heavy anger in response: "Do not call them snackers," a surfer rage that responded to a blatant response from another resident.

"This is hatred that is worse than anti-Semitism."

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