Oct. 31, 2024
Washington, DC, USA
Contact: info@worldlgbtqjews.org
The World Congress of LGBTQ+ Jews is appalled and shocked by the recent actions of ILGA World regarding the bid from the Israeli LGBTQ+ association Aguda to host the 2026/2027 world conference.
It is important to note that Aguda serves as an LGBTQ+ organization for both Israelis and Palestinians. The two Palestinian member organizations of ILGA are based and registered in Israel.
The Aguda’s candidacy request was dismissed before it could even be evaluated by the relevant committee. Furthermore, the organization is being suspended from ILGA membership simply for having the audacity to apply. The Aguda’s candidacy should have been evaluated by the assembly and not by a commission.
This unilateral decision highlights an undeniable act of anti-Semitism and reflects an undemocratic approach by ILGA. Attacking an Israeli organization under the pretense of condemning the ongoing war in the Middle East is both shameful and politically dishonest. We are all deeply concerned and saddened by the suffering caused by this conflict, sharing the pain of those affected personally, through family ties or friendships.
ILGA cannot hold Jewish and/or Israeli organizations accountable for the war. Such actions are hypocritical. Organizations that claim to advocate for the civil and political rights of all must not perpetuate discrimination based solely on ideological or partisan views. This action by ILGA must be condemned unequivocally by those who believe in the importance of unity over division.
The World Congress of LGBTQ+ Jews calls on all ILGA World member associations to take action and seek a dignified solution that respects the representation of all voices within ILGA. We urge ILGA leadership to remove the political and ideological stigma that they have attached to the Aguda, to the Israeli member organizations, and to all Jews around the world.
-The Steering Committee of the World Congress of LGBTQ+ Jews