A Breakthrough Moment for LGBTQ Immigrants in Bat Yam

In late December, Project Kesher Israel’s LGBTQ+ program marked a significant milestone in Bat Yam with the participation of two Deputy Mayors at a gathering of the local LGBTQ+ group. The Deputy Mayor for Aliyah and Absorption and the Deputy Mayor responsible for LGBTQ+ affairs attended jointly to recognize the program’s work and explore avenues for collaboration.

Their presence represents an important step toward addressing the systemic challenges faced by LGBTQ+ immigrants, who often experience limited visibility both within the broader LGBTQ+ community and within Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking immigrant communities. This “double invisibility” restricts access to municipal services, community resources, and support networks.

During the meeting, Deputy Mayor Anastasia Sahar, a long-standing partner of PKI, acknowledged these challenges and reaffirmed her support for the organization. Deputy Mayor Katy Pisetsky initiated coordination between the city’s LGBTQ+ portfolio and the Aliyah and Absorption Department, establishing a framework for cross-departmental cooperation.

This development reflects growing municipal recognition of the needs of LGBTQ+ immigrants and demonstrates how targeted, professional community work can lead to increased inclusion, coordination, and sustainable social impact.