Building Community and Belonging through PKI’s LGBTQ+ Programs

This month, Project Kesher Israel’s LGBTQ+ program marked several important milestones in supporting Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ immigrants and refugees in Israel.

• New Training Initiative: In collaboration with Ben-Gurion University, PKI launched a program to train Russian-speaking psychotherapists who will specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients. If there is sufficient interest, the initiative will expand to include a subsidized cycle of family Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy sessions, designed to strengthen understanding, reduce conflict, and foster acceptance between LGBTQ+ adults and their parents.

• Pride in Haifa: PKI’s Haifa LGBTQ group led the Russian-speaking community in this year’s Pride parade. On the central stage, group activist Lalika publicly thanked PKI for creating unique programming that helps recent immigrants from Ukraine and Russia find connection and belonging in their new home. PKI was honored by the support of Dr. Olga Ben Kurt of Clalit Health Services, one of their key partners in advancing health equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Shabbat in Be’er Sheva: As part of their Jewish engagement programming, the PKI LGBTQ group in Be’er Sheva organized a Kabbalat Shabbat and potluck dinner at Proud Home. For many, this was their first time experiencing a Shabbat celebration that was both egalitarian and openly affirming of queer identity. The evening created a warm atmosphere of learning, belonging, and shared tradition.

Together, these initiatives highlight PKI’s role as the only organization providing rich, Russian-language programming that unites LGBTQ+ identity with Jewish life, fostering both pride and community in Israel.