Gay bars jerusalem israel

Analyze the Hebrew Bible with a pink lens, and compelling anecdotes allude to queer love in the Kingdom of Judah, part of present-day Jerusalem. Just look at King David, whose relationship with the warrior Jonathan paints him as bisexual, if not gay. Queer life always has a way of lurking in the shadows.

Head to Independence Park for a piece of this clandestine past. The bar, a sprawling green space east of King George Street, was a reputed cruising spot for gay men before the advent of dating apps. Same-sex sexual activity was officially decriminalized inand gay on the grounds of sexual orientation is illegal. While same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized, same-sex couples can marry abroad and have their union recognized by the government.

It requires locals to fight for space in public areas. And you learn how to be much more tolerant of differences. While the Orthodox Jewish community might look for kosher certificates at restaurants, non-religious folks use rainbow flags as a certificate of liberalism — and according to Valfer, all the liberal places in Jerusalem are queer-friendly.

On sunny days, order an espresso and israel the throngs gabbing at outdoor tables. When winter comes, snuggle inside with a book and a classic Israeli breakfast. Make sure you stop by the bathroom to peep the mural by Brooklyn-based street artist Sara Erenthal, an ex-ultra Orthodox Jew who left home at 17 jerusalem avoid an arranged marriage.

Herbivores will love Imbala — a cafe, gallery, and event space that bills itself as feminist, queer, anti-racist, multi-lingual, multi-generational, and vegan. Photo: Imbala. Humous and pitta bread at Imbala. Children take class at an Eritrean church next door, and if you arrive early, you might receive quizzical stares from intrigued youngsters.

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The dive attracts a mixed crowd, though Valfer says gay men make up the majority. Wednesdays are popular with the Sapphic set. But intimidation from outside forces does little to scare queer crowds. A significant police presence protects marchers, and the fuel of rainbow solidarity propels participants along the route every year.

Even inwhen event organizers received death threats, the parade went on as planned. At the first party, Valfer expected 50 people to show up; instead, came. Now, each party feels bigger than the last, with attendees sometimes reaching one thousand. With little to no clubs in Jerusalem, Tipulei Harama usually takes over large event halls — including spaces like the YMCA and even the Old City Walls, which the party once turned into a Paris is Burning-style catwalk.

You know everyone at the party. There is some sexual tension, but people come to have fun. Unless you partake in the religious day of observance, stick to Tel Aviv or plan a day of hiking in the desert. The same goes for religious holidays — check the calendar before making travel plans.