An uproar over remarks by Israel’s health minister about gays and lesbians overshadowed a special Knesset session to mark World AIDS Day. Shlomo Benizri, of the fervently Orthodox Shas Party, drew an angry reaction for saying he would set up “closed wards” for gays and lesbians to treat “this genetic and mental defect.” Knesset member Yehudit Naot of the secular Shinui Party responded that “ignorance” is not a value.”
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
