Meet the Mishlahat

Rotem , 23, I am a photography student in Bezalel Academy of arts and design. I've been living in Jerusalem for the last three years. I grew up in northern Israel, and my parents are living in a very small moshav just above the Galilei Lake. I went to a Democratic high school. I served in the military, where I taught soldiers mathematics for their matriculation tests.

Yuval, 21, I was born and raised in Jerusalem, in an orthodox Jewish home. From a young age I sensed I was different, and when I was 14 I discovered I was attracted to women. When I was 16-17, I realized I was a transgender man (female to male). Currently, I identify as a bisexual, and share my life with my partner, Matan, A gay bio man. I only recently moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to our first joint apartment. I work as a customer service representative in a national food service. I am a graduate of the Jerusalem Open House Leadership course, and currently volunteer in Hoshen (education and change), which is an organization which specializes in frontal lectures by members of the LGBT community for schoolchildren, medical health professionals, and law enforcement personnel. I hope to begin my academic studies next year, and study gender and sociology.

Lior, 17, I was born in Jerusalem and I live in Mevaseret-Zion. My family is religious although I'm not. I'm learning in Horev, a religious school in Jerusalem and this is my last year there. My elder brother and sister know about me and my parents too. I'm coming to the JOH for almost two years now and I like it there, it's like my second home.

Daniella, 18, I sing, perform in drag, and go out a lot. I am eager to see the LGBTQ synagogue and to meet the people running it.

Amir, 18, I am Palestinian, gay. I was born in a village in the north of Israel. I am studying in Jerusalem, where I work and live.

Or Kaim, 19, I grew up in Jerusalem all my life, and today I live in Tel-Aviv. I finished High-school last year and was recruited to the army 7 months later. Today I work as a waiter in Tel-Aviv. I came out when I was 15 and a half, and since that time I'm going to the JOH youth programs.

Mor Pesachovich, 18, Just finished high school, working and waiting for the army (recruiting in November). All of my friends know that I'm lesbian, my parents and my cousins know too, and they all accept it very well.

Amit Cohen, 19, I live in Jerusalem, learned 12 years in high school, in the army now for the next 2 years and living my life as much as possible.

Noam Gal, Youth Counselor, I was born in Jerusalem, the youngest of three children. I went to a musical high-school, playing the French-horn, and in my military service I was a commander of hammer-jeep drivers, men and women. I started my academic rout in medical school, but after 2.5 years realized my future wasn't there. I switched to Hebrew literature and communication, and I am about to begin my masters degree next year. I hope to stay in the academy, teach and do research. I came out to myself at the age of 25, after a 4 year relationship with a man. I went out to my friends and family immediately or a short time after my first lesbian relationship, and got great responses from everybody around me. Today I volunteer as the volunteer manager in 'Hoshen', an organisation that sends LGBT people to high-schools, IDF and other places to tell their personal story and talk about the issue. Until a few months ago I worked as a youth council in the Open-house in Jerusalem.

Lital Pascar , Youth Counselor, I was born in Ashdod and lived there until age 18. I attended a gifted children's class from age 12 to 18. After finishing high school started my 1stdegree in psychology and sociology in Tel Aviv University; after finishing served 2.5 years as an officer in the IDF. Nowadays, I'm going to start my second degree- in literature in the Hebrew university of Jerusalem. Since my arrival to Jerusalem, I've volunteered in JOH; today I'm working there as an instructor to the youth group. I live in Jerusalem with my partner, two rabbits, and 1 or 2 cats.