Lesbian daughter of Israeli PM talks

14/11/06

Dana Olmert, lesbian daughter of Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, reflects on Jerusalem's Gay Pride rally

Dana Olmert, the lesbian daughter of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, spoke to Israel’s Army Radio about Friday’s Gay Pride rally and hostility toward the Israeli gay community.

"There is a continuing history of violence and hatred, there is homophobia. Coming out of the closet is not a one-time struggle," Olmert said.

"I thought it is important to tell those who were not there what those who were there felt. I was happy to be there with the sweetest people there is."

"But on the other hand there is a sad feeling in that they took us into a closed area. It was a feeling of being in jail. At the entrance we were asked to put on a pink ribbon and the feeling was that the event is too sterile."

Last Friday’s planned parade was cancelled due to violent threats from the Ultra-orthodox Haredi sect. Leading up to the event, thousands of protesters took to the street, and even called upon Christian and Muslims to join in the anti-gay demonstration.

The event, which attracted 4,000 was held behind fences at a university sports stadium on the Holy City's outskirts after organisers bowed to police fears of violent protests the Haredi sect.

“After what happened I am sure the community's leader should not give up and therefore we have to march. The fear campaign is a problem. The fact that we were distanced from the public teaches us that something in the separation war succeeded, and that's what turned the event into a bitter victory,” she continued.

"I think that the community was offended in this struggle but there is another side to that. Now, homosexual and lesbian haredim, and there are haredi homosexuals and lesbian, know they are not alone in the world."

Olmert also slammed the media for not differentiating between violent vs non-violent anti-gay groups.

"There is on the one hand a group of people who want to march without violence, and their message is not one of hate. And on the other hand there is a group of people who express themselves violently – and the media presents both sides in a politically correct manner. I believe the media should take a stance."

When questioned about the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue she said, “I don't like to speak as the daughter of my father. I don't act in the public sphere as such, but I keep to myself the right to express myself when I think I am right and this is one such time."