LGBTQ Immigrants in Israel Hear from Trailblazers in the Community

This month, Project Kesher Israel’s LGBTQ groups in Tel Aviv, Petach Tikva and Bat Yam had the opportunity to hear from inspiring members of Israel’s wider immigrant LGBTQ community. These guest speakers shared stories of resilience and success in building their careers amidst the challenges of adjusting to a new country.

One speaker, Mish Rozanov, who immigrated 35 years ago from post-Soviet Latvia, is now a renowned professor at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem and a leading political cartoonist. Mish spoke candidly about learning to express his LGBTQ identity openly, the role of activism in his life, and how these experiences have shaped both his career and his impact on Israeli society. Another guest, Yulia Rabkina, shared her story of rapid reinvention. A former chief editor at Elle magazine and prominent journalist in Russia, Yulia is now the proud owner of a cafe serving homemade ice cream in central Tel Aviv.

These discussions offered participants a sense of solidarity with generations of immigrants who have come before them, underscored the value of persistence in pursuing their goals, and provided an inspiring vision of how they, too, can thrive and make Israel their new home.