The Struggles of a Gay Palestinian Seeking Asylum in Israel
A Gay Palestinian Fled to Israel’s “Safe Haven.” Israel Tried to Exploit Him for Intelligence.
Image: The Intercept
Kareem, a 22-year-old gay Palestinian, fled to Israel seeking asylum after facing threats from his family in Ramallah. Despite Israel's reputation as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, Kareem encountered bureaucratic challenges and pressure from Israeli authorities to provide intelligence in exchange for security, leaving him vulnerable and without a clear path to safety.
- 01Kareem's father threatened him with violence upon discovering his sexuality, prompting his flight to Israel in 2024.
- 02The Israeli government has been accused of 'pinkwashing,' using LGBTQ+ rights to distract from its human rights violations.
- 03Kareem was pressured by Israeli authorities to share information about his friends and family in exchange for asylum support.
- 04His welfare permit was revoked after his family falsely reported him as a Hamas member, jeopardizing his safety.
- 05Israel's policy often coerces LGBTQ+ Palestinians into providing intelligence, complicating their asylum process.
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Kareem, a 22-year-old gay Palestinian from Ramallah, fled to Israel in March 2024 after facing violent threats from his father regarding his sexuality. Following a ruling that allowed LGBTQ+ Palestinians to seek asylum in Israel, Kareem sought refuge, believing he would find safety. However, he encountered significant challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and pressure from Israeli authorities to provide intelligence about fellow Palestinians. His situation worsened when his welfare permit was revoked due to false allegations made by his family, who sought to reclaim him. Despite the perception of Israel as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, Kareem's experience reveals a complex reality where vulnerability is exploited, and asylum seekers are coerced into collaboration with intelligence services. As of December 2024, his permit was reinstated, but he remains in a precarious situation, with no clear path to permanent residency or safety.
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Kareem's plight reflects the broader struggles of LGBTQ+ Palestinians seeking asylum in Israel, highlighting systemic issues within the asylum process.
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