Remembering, Reflecting, and Standing Together

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor those murdered by the Nazi regime while confronting the urgent relevance of this history today. For many in Project Kesher Israel’s community—some with family histories shaped by the Holocaust, others who have faced persecution for their sexual orientation or gender identity—this is a time to reflect on memory, vulnerability, belonging, and responsibility. “Never Again” is not a given; it is a call to remain vigilant and to protect the humanity of our society.

In this spirit, PKI partnered with queer activist and educator Pavel Khavkin to lead in-person sessions across LGBTQ+ groups in cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva. At a time of heightened anxiety, gathering together has been especially meaningful.

Pavel’s lectures explore a history often left untold: the persecution of LGBTQ+ people before, during, and after World War II—from the vibrant queer culture of early 20th-century Berlin to its destruction under the Nazi regime, and the legacy of laws like Paragraph 175. By reclaiming these stories, participants engage not only in remembrance, but in a deeper understanding of resilience, identity, and collective responsibility.