"They hate me just because I came from Israel, without knowing who I am"
Berlin is considered a liberal and open city, but for Israelis and Jews living there, the atmosphere has shifted. From boycotts within the LGBTQ community to daily manifestations of antisemitism, gay Israelis share the complexity of their situation ahead of Saturday's Pride Parade: "I encountered disgusting, childish, and even stupid discourse with people who heard that I am an Israeli."
This coming Saturday, the annual Pride Parade will take place in Berlin, featuring around a million participants, including representatives from embassies, government ministries, and LGBTQ-friendly companies. For many, this is the highlight of the year in Europe's "LGBTQ capital," but for Israelis and Jews living in the city, the atmosphere is now accompanied by a bitter taste. Since October 7, the public space has changed, and the feeling of unconditional acceptance has often been replaced by judgment, boycotts, and manifestations of antisemitism.
Itay Novik, owner of the culinary venture Elements of Food and a tour guide, has lived in Berlin for over a decade. "Since October 7, I feel that I am not seen as Itay, but first and foremost as an Israeli or a Jew. I feel that something has broken, and I am not sure it is repairable," he says. A few months ago, at a favorite cafe, a waitress refused to split the bill, offering nonsensical explanations in an aggressive tone. "My friend asked, 'Do you think it's because we were speaking Hebrew?'. At that moment, it dawned on me," Itay recalls.
According to him, the problem lies within the LGBTQ community, where the discourse has become polarized: "It seems there are only two options: 'you are with us or against us.' It is precisely the members of the community who talk about dismantling definitions and identities who expect a very clear division of the world, and I find it difficult to live in such a reality." This feeling of being stripped of one's personality is echoed by actor Idan Marin: "They hate me just because I came from Israel, without knowing who I am. Most of the time, these people assume that we all want to preserve the status quo." He believes antisemitism stems from ignorance and an inability to listen, as well as a deep-seated disease of racism.
Despite the tension, some choose to voice clear support. For the third year in a row, East Pride Berlin is organizing a contingent under the slogan: "Gays say yes to Israel! Queers for Israel!". This year, the initiative has received support from public figures, including the Imam of the liberal mosque Seyran Ates and representatives from various political parties. "We will continue to stand guard for freedom, human dignity, and against antisemitism in all its forms," says organizer Konstantin Sherestyuk.
For the first time, the Keshet Europe organization is holding a conference in Berlin for the Jewish and Israeli LGBTQ community. Participants intend to march in Saturday's parade carrying the Star of David. "We refuse to hide our Jewish identity. If someone attacks us, we will know it is pure antisemitism," explains CEO Ariel Heller. Previously, Rome Pride organizers banned Jewish groups from participating, demanding they unequivocally condemn the actions of the Israeli government.
One can only hope that the majority who are still wavering will wake up to the complex reality. Perhaps as LGBTQ individuals in other countries continue to face violence and persecution, liberal members of the community will finally realize that true equality belongs to everyone—even those born in Israel or as Jews.
