Agudah to Host World Pride 2004 in Tel Aviv
Even in the midst of the current unrest in Israel, the Agudah has won a bid to host World Pride 2004 in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv Mayor Huldai gave his support to the event and commented that he hoped the city’s 7,000 hotel rooms would be adequate to accommodate the expected visitors.
Outgoing Agudah Director General Luba Fein commented that the mayor "understands the importance of the event, both cultural and economic. I believe that hosting the World Pride events will really move Tel Aviv and the local GLBT community forward from all points of view... We are ... surrounded by countries which do not recognize gays in any way. An event of this scale can take place in a spirit of extending our hands to our neighbors in peace, love of life, acceptance of any kind of love." The Agudah dedicated its new home with a party on October 28, 2000, on the beautiful new rooftop terrace, with Reform Rabbi Meir Azri installing the mezuzah. The new offices are spacious and accommodate the various groups that meet there. The library looks bigger and better than ever.
The Agudah’s move to its new offices is a great leap forward, both in terms of the bigger space and the better location. The offices have already gotten a new nickname: "Via Della Ochtcha" (Queens Street), a reference to gay spaces such as Out, Chaps and now the Agudah which have made their home there.
Tel Aviv Gay Pride Day has been set for Friday, June 22, 2001.
from reports by Amos Nachum & Gur Rosen