The Society for the Protection of Personal Rights For Gay Men, Lesbians & Bisexuals in Israel 28 Nahmani St. Tel. -972-3-204327 P.O.Box 37604 -972-3-6293681 61375 Tel Aviv Fax. -972-3-5252341 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The S.P.P.R. was established in 1975 and has been a registered non-profit organization since 1982. It is the only organization promoting gay/lesbian rights in the Middle East and functions as an umbrella for a variety of projects and chapters around the country. The S.P.P.R.'s aims are twofold: (1) to advance our legal, social and cultural rights in order to become fully equal citizens. This is being achieved through political action, educational programs and collaboration with social change agents; and (2) to enhance a sense of solidarity and congregational cohesion within the community, and to assist and support those in need. This is materialized through support groups, help lines, social events and the annual celebration of gay pride. Four momentous legislative gains advanced by the S.P.P.R. make Israel a front runner in gay rights: 1988 - Decriminalization of sodomy. 1992 - Amendment the Labor Law to include a clause which prohibits discrimination at theworkplace on the basis of sexual orientation. 1993 - Revision of military policy enabling gay/lesbian soldiers to be recruited, placed and advanced like any other soldier. 1994 - Precedential Supreme Court decision recognizing the equal rights of same-gender couples YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Projects and Chapters Belah Do'eget (Belah is the Hebrew acronym for Bi.., Lesbian & Homo. and Do'eget means either "takes care" or "worries about") is an AIDS Action Group in charge of promoting safe-sex practices among our community members and beyond. It runs CAFE+, a unique coffee shop at the Tel Aviv community center for HIV+ persons and PWA's (regardless of sexual orientation). Congregation Ga'avat Israel is an eclectic Jewish prayer group. Haifa Community Center houses support groups, social activities and the "LAMDA" student group. H.O.D. is a group of Orthodox gay men. Otzma is our political branch, and advocates full legal equality. Otzma members convene regularly at the parliamentary subcommittee for the prevention of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and also are part of the Tel Aviv municpal committee. Someone to Talk To face-to-face peer counseling and information dissemination center. Speakers Bureau gives lectures and talks around the country to enhance better understanding, acceptance and tolerance within the Israeli public. Tel Aviv Community Center houses support groups, study groups, lectures, art exhibitions, video screenings and a library. Vintage Wine is a group of older (50+) gay men. White Line offers anonymous peer counseling, support and vital information four evenings a week. Youth Support Groups for adolsecents (ages 15-18) and young adults (ages 18-22) facilitatedby two older volunteers and supervised by a psychologist. ZMAN AMITI Parties held every other Thursday at the famous Jaffa disco. Join Us for a Rosier Future You can support our projects by becoming a member of an international family whose heart is in Israel. Our suggested annual donation is US $50 (or its equivalent in another currency). Larger contributions can be designated for a specific cause. Not only is your financial support greatly needed to help us execute our plans, but it will also strengthen and solidify your ties with the community in Israel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, I am interested in becoming a vital part of the Society for the Protection of Personal Rights, and have enclosed a donation of ______. Means of payment (please, circle and/or fill in): Cash / Cheque / VISA (number _________________valid through ________ ) Donations may be sent directly to the S.P.P.R. office. Tax-exempt contributions marked as "donor advised" may be made through the New Israel Fund: 1625 K St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20006. USA. Name _________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Telephone__________________________________________ I wish to receive the Hebrew publications as well: yes / no --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The S.P.P.R. is supported by the the New Israel Fund and is a member of the World Congress of Gay & Lesbian Jewish Organizations and of the International Lesbian & Gay Association ---------------------------------------------------------------------------