Haifa leads but does not excel in the Pride Index for 2024, and who leads in the Krayot?

Leading but not outstanding • Haifa ranks fifth in the Pride Index for 2024 and who leads in the Krayot?

(live here) – The Israel LGBT Association published on Wednesday, 28/5/25, the Pride Index for 2024, which examines the degree of commitment of local authorities to promoting equality and rights for the gay community.

At a festive ceremony held at the President's House in Jerusalem, the annual report was presented to President Yitzhak Herzog, in the presence of representatives of the outstanding authorities. This index, published for the sixth year, is a unique index that ranks the authorities according to five categories: education, welfare, culture, visibility and community infrastructure.

This year, for the first time, the index was divided into three categories: by the size of the authority Large, medium and small In order to provide a more accurate picture and adapt the criteria to the nature and size of the authority, taking into account the complex reality following the Iron Sword War, authorities from the Gaza Envelope and the north that were evacuated were not included in the measurement.

Haifa: Comprehensive investment – ​​but not among the top three

This year, Haifa Municipality came in fifth place among large municipalities, with an impressive score of 95 out of 100 – an achievement that indicates extensive investment in all areas examined in the index. However, it was not included in the list of the three outstanding municipalities in the category.

The report's data shows that Haifa presents a supportive and leading policy towards the gay community: there are significant investments in the areas of education, welfare and culture. The municipal gay center "Beit HaKhehilot" operates throughout the year and provides a variety of services, training and assistance tailored to different populations, also in light of the city's unique demographic diversity. Alongside the achievements, it is clear that the road to the list of outstanding authorities is still ahead, but the data indicates a growing municipal commitment and willingness to expand activity in the coming years.

Outstanding Authorities 2024: Who Led the Way?

In the large municipalities category, Ramat Gan won first place thanks to unique initiatives such as the "Diverse Families" program for preschoolers, activities for Russian speakers, and the expansion of the Gay Center's services. Second place was shared by Tel Aviv-Yafo and Kfar Saba, with the former continuing to lead in many indicators of visibility, culture, and services, and the latter opening a new Gay Center this year and expanding the city's range of events. Third place was taken by Herzliya, with a jump of 20 points compared to the previous year.

Kiryat Bialik is an outstanding authority in the Pride Index – in second place in the medium-sized authority category

In the medium-sized municipalities category, Givatayim and Ra'anana stood out, ranking jointly in first place. Kiryat Bialik took second place, with investment across the entire age range, and Ramat Hasharon came in third thanks to an advanced organizational structure and dedicated infrastructure for the community.

Kiryat Bialik won for the fourth time in a row, and this year - an impressive jump from ninth place last year, thanks to comprehensive activities for the gay community of all ages, in close cooperation with community representatives.

Mayor Dokorski said at the ceremony: "The win is the result of the municipality's ethical and committed work for tolerance and equality. We will continue to work with love for a diverse and inclusive community."

Kiryat Tivon ranks first in the small municipalities category in the 2024 Pride Index

Among the small municipalities, Kiryat Tivon stood out in first place, with a proud and active cultural center in the periphery. It was followed by Darom Hasharon and Kadima-Tzoran, which impressed with a series of first-of-its-kind initiatives.

Kiryat Tivon has recorded an impressive achievement that places it as a leader in the northern periphery in promoting the rights of the gay community. The authority operates a center for gay culture that is a significant focus for community activity, including support groups, educational training, and regional events. The progressive policy and investment in local action brought Kiryat Tivon to the top of the index, and illustrate the important role of the local authority in shaping an egalitarian and safe reality even in small communities.

"Even in times of crisis, equality and respect must be promoted"

The President of the State, Yitzhak Herzog, congratulated the authorities for their work: "The presence of authorities from all over the country – both large and small – proves that even in times of crisis, it is possible and necessary to continue to promote equality, tolerance and human dignity. Thanks to you, we are moving closer to an equal, inclusive and safe society for all of us."

Hila Far, chairwoman of the LGBT Association, emphasized the importance of the effort at the local level at a time when the government is cutting back on support: "Local authorities are the community's first line of defense. Even when there is budgetary uncertainty or roles that are unclear whether they will continue to exist - the authorities continue to work, for the community's sense of belonging and security."

Alongside the great deal of activity, the report also mentions the names of authorities that did not cooperate with the index – including Jerusalem, Lod, Acre, Zichron Yaakov, Tirat Carmel and other authorities, a matter that raises questions about their policies towards the community.

Much respect, and there is still room to strive for.

Haifa's position in the top five indicates a trend of improvement and a growing commitment to the gay community, but also a potential that has not yet been fully realized. With existing infrastructure, an active urban center, and a cohesive community, it seems that Haifa can and perhaps even should aim for the top of the index in the coming years.