The United States Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro and his wife, Julie Fisher hosted the JFNA LGBTQ Mission at their residence for dinner and music, and invited many US Embassy Staff and other Israeli leaders from the LGBTQ community. The US Embassy for over a week has had rainbow flags flying all over and a huge rainbow Tel Aviv Pride banner across most of the front of the Embassy. In addition, The Ambassador and his wife march in the Pride Parade and have both been huge allies of our LGBTQ community, advancing our rights in any way they can. It was a lovely evening for sure. Pictured are Yoni Bock and Ron Kaplan from Washington, D.C, Ambassador Shapiro and Jane Fantel, San Diego.

Doug Winkelstein, Ron Howard, Michael Sonduck, and Jeff Schoenfeld lead a discussion moderated by Dara Papo showcasing how Federations are engaging the LGBTQ community.

A very special and very private concert for the LGBTQ Mission with Israel's very famous pop star, Ivri Lider at the Zappa Club in Jerusalem. He couldn't have been more nice and approachable. A truly majestic evening.

Opening night was at the beautiful Zion Hotel just outside the walls of the Old City. 100 men and women representing 17 communities across North America were gathered outside for a reception and dinner in the gardens. One of the speakers was Member of Knesset, Nachman Shai. Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz, City Council Member of Jerusalem welcomed us and brought greetings from Mayor Nir Barkat.

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To see more photo's from Jane Fantel's trip to Israel, including her stops in the kibbutz of Sha'ar HaNegev, click here.