July 27, 2006
Pride in a state of crisis? Local activists debate Israel event
From the Georgia Straight:
"Some Vancouver queer-rights activists are questioning the wisdom of travelling to Jerusalem for this year’s controversial WorldPride celebration from August 6 to 12. Aviva Lazar, vice-president of the Vancouver Pride Society and a self-described 'nonpractising Jew', said she lobbied the VPS to send her and two colleagues before the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. It’s been more than 20 years since she was last in Israel, she explained. Plus, she speaks Hebrew and understands the significance of layering WorldPride over the holy city.
'It’s a political stance,' Lazar told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview. 'The fact that it’s the centre of the three leading religions is fantastic, because this event is about diversity. WorldPride holds events in difficult areas on purpose.' However, she said, her enchantment stopped when the fighting began. 'It’s a great cause, but not to risk my life for.'"
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