In Israel, Helping a “Triple Minority” During Pride

On June 25, HIAS Emergency Response partnered with Beit El-Meem to distribute food and hygiene essential care packages for the Arab LGBTQ+ community in Haifa, in the northern region of Israel. HIAS provided 92 boxes for Beit El-Meem community members.

Beit El-Meem assists people of all gender and sexual identities in Arab society and fights against violence and oppression that the Arab LGBTQ+ community continues to experience.

Owra, a Beit El-Meem community leader, noted how Arab LGBTQ+ people are a minority within a minority within a minority in Israel, and often have no support system at all.

“Most of the community has no contact with their families,” Owra said. “We try to truly be a home for them.”

The organization offers a hotline, a counseling center that provides professional counseling for community members in need, and legal aid on matters of rights violations based on sexual and/or gender identity.

Recipients of the food and hygiene packages were more than appreciative.

“I don’t have words to thank you and tell you how grateful I am for the things that you have provided,” said Lulu.

“You don’t understand how much this helps,” said Ahmad.