Hamas captivity survivor Emily Damari will be the featured speaker
at the event. (photo courtesy of Pride For Israel)

StandWithUs, in partnership with A Wider Bridge, the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the American Jewish Committee Los Angeles and the Israeli American Council, announced the first “Pride for Israel” conference in Los Angeles for the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

The goal of the “Pride for Israel” conference is to reclaim unity, diversity and love for Israel within the LGBTQ+ community.

Emily Damari, who endured months as a hostage in Gaza and lost two fingers during her capture, is among the keynote speakers. Once released, Damari explained

that she never told Hamas terrorists she was gay, fearing for her life due to her being not only a Jew and Israeli, but also LGBTQ+.

A lineup of influencers and leaders will speak including Eve Barlow, Luai Ahmed, Tanya Tsikanovsky, Bellamy Belucci, Matthew Nouriel, Robin Tyler, Rabbi Denise Eger, Ron Galperin, John Vaughan and representatives of The Aguda from Israel.

“Ultimately, this is about more than a single event,” said Roz Rothstein, co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs. “It is about affirming Jewish identity, and values

of solidarity and courage. We are hoping to build a future where having Jewish, pro-Israel and LGBTQ+ identities can thrive together without compromise.”

For information, visit prideforisrael.planningpod.com.