A new index ranking Israel's cities in terms of their attitude to the LGBTQ community gave Tel Aviv and Rishon LeZion top marks, while Nahariyya and Bat Yam placed at the bottom.
The index, compiled by the Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel and published at the start of June, which is Gay Pride Month, looked at which local authorities best met the needs of the LGBTQ community last year.
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While Tel Aviv's top spot came as no surprise, Rishon Lezion was also ranked very high in terms of putting on gay pride events, LGBTQ activities, and outreach to city employees. Givatayim, immediately east of Tel Aviv, came in third place. In addition to catering to the needs of the community on an ongoing basis, Givatayim has issued a proclamation of equality and tolerance designed to ensure the safety of its LGBTQ residents.
Ramat Gan landed in fourth place in the rankings followed by, in descending order, Kfar Saba, Beersheba, Haifa, Ramat Hashaon, Kiryat Bialik, and Raanana.
Among the 29 cities and local authorities evaluated, Jerusalem was ranked 22nd, the lowest of any of Israel's large cities. According to the index, the city does not organize any events for the LGBTQ community or call in LGBTQ representatives to take part in city platforms, or extend services to the LGBTQ community.
However, Bat Yam, Pardes Hanna, Karkur, and Nahariyya were ranked even lower and did not even respond to the questionnaire.
Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel chair Hila Peer said that "Every city should express the character of those who live in it, and we are happy to see extensive activity on behalf of members of the LGBTQ community in different cities.
"AT a time when LGBTQ people across Israel are experiencing homophobia, hatred, and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identities, we must ensure that the light of pride and tolerance reaches every place and every sector. We are pleased with the close cooperation with the cities and local authorities that have promoted the needs of the LGBTQ community and announce that we will continue to make our voices heard proudly, everywhere, until we have full equal rights," Peer said.
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