Building LGBTQ+ Community and Access in Southern Israel

On August 26, Project Kesher Israel CEO Rabbi Olya Weinstein and LGBTQ+ Department Head Anna Talisman visited Be’er Sheva to strengthen partnerships for LGBTQ+-inclusive healthcare and the Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ community in southern Israel.

The visit included the opening of “Psifas,” Clalit’s new LGBTQ+-focused healthcare service at the Be’er Sheva Pride House. Anna shared the specific linguistic and cultural barriers faced by Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking immigrants, leading to plans to explore adding Russian-speaking medical professionals to improve access.

PKI also met with the Be’er Sheva Pride House to discuss the development of the local Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ community and ways to encourage greater civic and municipal engagement.