Friday, August 14, 2009

ISRAELI GAY ACTIVIST NAMED ILGCN "RAINBOW WARRIOR" 2009

PRESS RELEASE AUGUST 13, 2009



Stockholm -- Gay Israeli activist and pacifist, Ezra Nawi, has been awarded thee 2009 "Rainbow Warrior" by the ILGCN (International Lesbian & Gay Cultural Network) for his outstanding and courageous efforts to stop the destruction of Palestinian homes and the ousting of Palestian farmers from their land in occupied territory.



"The 57-year-old plumber by trade is an excellent example of the resistance to injustice and homophobia in a turbulent Middle East," says Bill Schiller, secretary general of the ILGCN Information Secretariat in Stockholm. "Ezra Nawi illustrates how bright the rainbow colors shine when stretched over geographic, ethnic, religious, gender and age barriers. He should be honored both by Israelis and Palestinians alike -- instead of facing court room judges and threats of prison sentences."

Although this international award diploma does not include any monetary sum, it is awarded with golden appreciation for important work well done -- promoting the identity, culture and visibility of the LGBT community and its roll in the global human rights battle for everyone. The diploma is to be presented in person as soon as possible in the Swedish capital or other appropriate place when a time and site can be chosen.

Earlier "Rainbow Warrior" awards have gone to courageous Polish gay and heterosexual activists defying homophobic media, politicians, religious leaders and neo nazi violence.

More information: www.ilgcn.tupilak.org