HOSTAGE EMILY DAMARI TOGETHER WITH INFLUENCERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL SPEAK AT THE ALL-DAY EVENT TO RECLAIM UNITY AND DIVERSITY
(Los Angeles, CA — October 12, 2025)
StandWithUs (SWU), in partnership with A Wider Bridge, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles (JFED), the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Los Angeles, and the Israeli-American Council (IAC) is proud to announce the first-ever “Pride for Israel” conference in Los Angeles for the LGBTQ+ community. It will be held on Sunday November 9, 2025, beginning at 8:30am and running through 8:00pm.
The goal of the all-day “Pride for Israel” conference is to reclaim unity, diversity and love for Israel within the LGBTQ+ community. Emily Damari, who endured months as a hostage in Gaza and lost two fingers as a result of the violence during her capture, will be one of the keynote speakers. Once released, Emily explained that she never told Hamas terrorists she was gay, fearing for her life, due to her being not only a Jew and Israeli, but also LGBTQ+.
A remarkable lineup of influencers and leaders in the community will speak, including Eve Barlow, Luai Ahmed, Tanya Tsilkanovsky, Bellamy Belucci, Matthew Nouriel, Robin Tyler, Rabbi Denise Eger, Ron Galperin, John Vaughan and representatives of The Aguda from Israel, among many others. Learn more here: https://prideforisrael.planningpod.com/
The Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities both experience what it is like to be vilified, or erased within and from outside their own communities. The pro-Israel LGBTQ+ community is further marginalized, not just by ideological opponents, but by the broader LGBTQ+ community itself that has been identifying with the “Queers for Palestine” ideology since Hamas’ deadly attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Matthew Nouriel, Director of Community Engagement at JIMENA (Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa) states, “For those of us who are both Jewish and LGBTQ+, that exclusion feels doubly familiar. Growing up Jewish, you learn what antisemitism feels like. Growing up LGBTQ+, you learn what homophobia feels like. When those experiences overlap, the pain is magnified, but so too is the resilience.”
Pro-Israel LGBTQ+ community members question why their peers choose to align themselves with “Queers For Palestine,” a cause rooted in ideologies that criminalize, oppress, and routinely murder LGBTQ+ people. Meanwhile, Israel has long stood out as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people in the Middle East, offering freedoms unimaginable in neighboring societies, including one of the world’s largest PRIDE parades.
With antisemitism seeping into a community that is already dealing with homophobia, the “Pride For Israel” conference was created to support and empower pro-Israel LGBTQ+ Jews and allies with education and advocacy in an environment with like-minded individuals, so they do not feel alone and silenced. It will also provide them with the tools necessary to correct misinformation and lies while standing up for the only Jewish state.
Roz Rothstein co-founder and CEO StandWithUs states, “Ultimately, this is about more than a single event. It is about affirming Jewish identity, and values of solidarity and courage. We are HOPING TO build a future where having Jewish, pro-Israel and LGBTQ+ identities can thrive together without compromise, where solidarity is rooted in truth rather than propaganda, and where no one has to stand alone.” She adds, “This is why building supportive networks within all segments of our society is essential. We are indebted to our partners who recognize the urgency of this moment including A Wider Bridge, for playing a pivotal role in the planning.”
Daniel Hernandez, A Wider Bridge Board Chair stated, “‘Pride for Israel’ is more than a conference — it is a declaration that love, unity, and truth are stronger than hate. As Board Chair of A Wider Bridge, I am inspired to see our community come together to celebrate courage and resilience, and to stand proudly with Israel and with one another. This moment reminds us that when we build bridges across identities and borders, we create a future where every person can live authentically and without fear.”
“Pride For Israel” features plenaries, panel discussions, and breakout sessions covering topics including modern antisemitism and the unique challenges facing the pro-Israel LGBTQ+ community; productive solutions including legal remedies; and answering difficult questions about Israel.
The West Los Angeles location will be disclosed upon registration.
For more information and to register: https://prideforisrael.planningpod.com/
