Memorial Service

Last night I attended the memorial service for the two Israelis murdered last week at Gay and Lesbian center in Tel Aviv. It was held at Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim in|Los Angeles, with the support of many of the other progressive shuls, churches and lay leaders here in the Southland. There were around 150 people there, standing room only.

I ran into an old colleague from my Israeli Consulate days, he was there representing his new gig, the right leaning more religious organization, Zionist Organization of America. He is practicing Mormon. I admit, I see red whenever I see him. And I was even more furious to see him there, at a memorial service for two Israelis killed for who they were assumed to be (Liz was apparently not a lesbian, but supported the center). And so I immediately criticized him for being there. He responded, "Why shouldn't I be here in solidarity? Israelis were murdered, and I am here to support the community." Even more pissed off now, I shot back. "Why is it okay for you to mourn us in death but not allow us our rights to get married?" His response was, "I know, I get hell from some of my relatives who are gay." Apparently he is the only Mormon in his family.

He wanted to know why there were no Orthodox Rabbis in the crowd. I shook my head and responded, "you are in denial if you think they would be here in support." Just then, the Rabbi mentioned in her remarks that the family of one of the victim's still fighting for his life in the hospital in Tel Aviv, are so shocked to find out their Son is gay, they have yet to visit him in the hospital.

I think there should be an unspoken rule: no conditional support allowed. Either you support our completely equal rights, or you don't get the privilege to be with us in joy or in sorrow.