Subscribe to Print Edition | Sat., June 28, 2008 Sivan 25, 5768 | | Israel Time: 05:11 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

A rainbow mezuzah being affixed to the entryway of the community center. (Nir Cafri) Last update - 11:10 04/06/2008 Out of the closet, into the center: Tel Aviv's first gay community center opens its doors By Ofri Ilani, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Israel, Ron Huldai, Tel Aviv A new mezuzah was affixed to the entrance to a building on the campus of the "Dov Hoz" school in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, one covered in the rainbow flag of the Gay Pride movement. After decades as the home of the "Workers' children's school" serving the children of the Labor Party elite, and later a local high school, the building is now home to Tel Aviv's first-ever Gay and Lesbian community center. "The image of God can be seen in every person, and therefore, this building is not only a community center, but a house of God" said Rabbi David Lazar at a ceremony to bless the affixing of the building's mezuzah. Advertisement The initiative to build the center was started five years ago by leaders of the local Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual, and Bisexual community, and its opening represents the first time the city has officially sanctioned such a project. The center has already hosted events for a teen gay pride group, as well as one to prepare new Israel Defense Forces recruits for their enlistment. The center is also planning on hosting ballet recitals and events for elderly members of the community. Itai Pinkus, Tel-Aviv City Hall's advisor for the Gay, Lesbian, Transsexual, and Bisexual community, said the center will hold many events for the elderly, as these members "spent years underground, at a time when they were under risk of serious personal harm if they were to be exposed." The building is also expected to house a child care center, albeit one that is not run by the center. "The home will serve to reflect the plurastic spirit of Tel Aviv, and the desire to honor and respect all minorities," said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai at the dedication ceremony. "We see ourselves as a trailblazing society. We decided to found this institution out of the belief that it is necessary," Huldai added, saying the onus is now upon the residents of Tel Aviv and the Gay and Lesbian community to ensure that the building is a success Bookmark to del.icio.us   Haniyeh's plea Hamas leader in Gaza says rocket fire must stop for sake of Palestinians. Softening position Shin Bet agrees to free prisoners 'with blood on their hands' for Shalit.   1.   Congratulations Israel :) 12:08  |  Roberto Gutierrez 04/06/08   2.   Better than Irans public hangings of gays. 13:08  |  petra 04/06/08   3.   This is super! 13:42  |  Lance Bass 04/06/08   4.   You make it easier every day... 14:17  |  Poulad Ankasa 04/06/08   5.   Gay center 14:56  |  Ari 04/06/08   6.   Achasverosh and Haman 16:00  |  Dror 04/06/08   7.   GAY CENTER 20:45  |  Lillian B Herzberg 04/06/08   8.   rainbow mezuzah 22:05  |  stanley kinzelberg 04/06/08

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