Death in Tel Aviv: The Murder of “Infinite Love and Respect for Mankind”

Tragedy struck Israel on Saturday night. In the heart of Tel Aviv, a progressive and welcoming city for the LGBT community, two young Israelis were murdered and several more injured in a shooting at the office of veteran NIF grantee the Israel Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association (GLBT Israel).

The two murder victims were 16 year-old Liz Trubeshi and Nir Katz, 26, a counselor at the club. “Nir had infinite love and respect for mankind,” eulogized his mother. In the immediate aftermath of the killings, thousands rallied in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, while 500 demonstrated on Sunday evening in Jerusalem’s Zion Square.

As the first funder of LGBT rights in Israel, the New Israel Fund is saddened and appalled by this tragedy.  At a time when Israel is increasingly polarized, when the government and right-wing organizations threaten and disparage minorities, and when racist, sexist and homophobic incitement grows louder, we call on our supporters to support us in the fight for Israel’s future as a democratic, tolerant and pluralistic state.

Take action now:

• Make a Donation to Support NIF's work on behalf of the LGBT community in Israel. Click Here
• Learn more about NIF’s work with the LGBT community. Click Here