For the past two years, Ariel, a graphic designer, DJ and queer activist living in Rome, has been volunteering at Keshet Italia, the only Italian Jewish queer organization. He holds a position on its board in addition to serving as a supervisor and board member for Europe and Israel at the World Congress of LGBTQ Jews. Recently, Ariel was thrilled to participate in an unprecedented event that took place in Italy: the first Jewish Queer Pride parade on the continent, the European Jewish Queer Pride.
“The event had a dual purpose,” explained Ariel, “It was meant to bring together LGBTQ Jewish organizations with prominent institutions from the various Jewish communities in Italy and Europe, and to foster unity among the Jewish community, the queer Jewish community and other queer organizations operating in Italy.”
“Personally, the European Queer Jewish Pride event was of particular importance. Over the years I faced challenges within the Orthodox Jewish community in Rome…and I yearned to find my own community across Europe: people who share the same values as me and encountered similar challenges. Moreover, I sought to provide representation and visibility to young queer Jews across Europe, and turn this aspect of our identity from a source of difficulty into a flag of pride,” added Ariel.
The main goals of the Jewish Pride Parade in Italy were to create a common platform for queer Jewish community members from around Europe, to promote a sense of belonging and strengthen the Jewish identity of the community members. Attendees were able to participate in various workshops and discussions led by CEJI – A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe and Keshet Italia, focusing on themes of community belonging and social issues and exploring the intricate intersection of their Jewish and Queer identities. The events and parade drew approximately 80 participants.
The relationship between Keshet Italia and The Jewish Agency began at a special summit in London in March organized by The Jewish Agency’s Global LGBTQ Partnership, a special thematic partnership. Over the course of the three-day conference, 24 leaders from Jewish LGBTQ organizations in nine different countries met to learn from each other, discuss challenges, share stories and more.
“Today I see The Jewish Agency as a true ally in our ongoing journey to demand equality and acceptance from society in general and the Jewish community in particular as they have proven to be true partners, working alongside us and supporting the diversity of experiences and perspectives in the queer Jewish community,” Ariel reflected. “When different organizations come together with a common vision, there is great potential for change.”
