LGBTQ+ organisation condemns "hate crime" after trans woman is stabbed in Israel

An LGBTQ+ umbrella organisation has condemned what it describes as a hate crime after a trans woman was stabbed and left in serious condition in Beersheba, southern Israel.

The Aguda, Israel’s national LGBTQ+ association, confirmed that the victim, who was attacked on Sunday evening, is a trans woman and said the assault occurred “purely because of who she is”. In a statement, the group declared: “A trans woman is fighting for her life after being stabbed purely because of who she is. Let that sink in.” 

Emergency services reported that the woman, believed to be 25 years old and from the Bedouin community, was found semi-conscious with multiple stab wounds on Raziel Street. She was rushed to Soroka-University Medical Centre in unstable condition. Police are investigating whether the attack was motivated by her gender identity and have detained a suspect who, according to Aguda, is not related to the victim. 

The Aguda highlighted the broader context of violence against transgender people in Israel, noting that while trans individuals make up around 15% of the LGBTQ community, they were targeted in 43% of reported attacks last year. The organisation warned that recent incidents of vandalism against pride symbols in Beersheba signalled escalating hostility: “What begins with incitement and assaults on community symbols, without a proper response and deterrence, quickly leads to assaults on people.”

Local advocacy groups, including Beit el-Meem and the Beersheba Pride House, have called for urgent action to protect LGBTQ residents, particularly trans and Arab individuals. “Our blood is not forfeit. We do not deserve to be harmed, not by a stranger and not by a family member,” said the Pride House in a statement.