It can be hard to appreciate at times just how diverse Israel--a country the size of New Jersey--truly is. In addition to Palestinian, Arab, Druze, and Christian citizens, there are Jews from Europe and Russia, South America and India, Iran and Yemen, and there is a sizable community from Ethiopia. On Wednesday, April 27, A Wider Bridge, an organization dedicated to forging connections between the international LGBT community and Israel, will be hosting an event at The Farm Soho with KALA, a brand-new Ethiopian-Israeli LGBT group.
As the event organizers explain, KALA was born eighteen months ago out of the necessity for LGBT support, community and empowerment in the Ethiopian community. The emergence of KALA reflects an exciting development in Israel, in which LGBT activism and visibility reflects the country's full spectrum of ethnic diversity. Yaniv, Sara and Liel, three of KALA's leaders, will join with A Wider Bridge to share their personal stories as well as the critical need for KALA--working at the intersection of Ethiopian social justice and LGBT activism.
It promises to be an eye-opening night, with wine and kosher-for-Passover hors d'oeuvres. For tickets and more information, visit their website.
In addition to the New York event, similar salons will be held in Washington, DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Click here to learn more about upcoming events.