ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

JUNE 18, 2026 10:18

An Israeli labor union cautioned Social Equality Minister May Golan (Likud) on Wednesday that her ministry's reported plan to end support for municipal LGBTQ+ coordinators risks triggering staff reductions and limiting aid to at-risk groups nationwide.

Histadrut HaMaof, part of Israel's main labor federation representing local government and public administration employees, delivered a letter to Golan, Federation of Local Authorities in Israel chairman Haim Bibas, municipal leaders, and directors-general.

The union called on officials to freeze the action and engage in discussions with worker representatives prior to any reduction in funding.

Across Israel, many social services reach residents via municipalities and regional councils, which rely on national funding to run initiatives for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ community members.

Municipal LGBTQ+ coordinators operate within local authorities to build community initiatives, link residents to support networks, counsel municipalities on community needs, and assist individuals dealing with social, family, or welfare challenges.

LGBTQ efforts advance tolerance, inclusion, safety, and belonging

The initiative falls under the Social Equality Ministry, tasked with advancing policies for diverse groups in Israeli society. Prior ministry arrangements provided state backing to local authorities for LGBTQ+ activities focused on tolerance, inclusion, safety, and community belonging.

Histadrut HaMaof noted that halting the funds could result in worker dismissals, damage employment protections, eliminate local programs, and diminish assistance for residents relying on guidance. The effects would hit hardest in lower-income municipalities and peripheral towns, where authorities lack alternative resources to sustain the work.

"The Ministry for Social Equality's choice to cease funding LGBTQ+ coordinators in local authorities represents a serious and unjustified step that may cause the loss of committed staff and hurt communities depending on their help," said Adv. Gil Bar-Tal, chairman of Histadrut HaMaof.

"This action carries significant social ramifications, taken without adequate discussion and without regard for the substantial costs borne by employees, local authorities, and the public," he added.

LGBTQ topic grows politically sensitive

The disagreement arises amid wider concerns from LGBTQ+ groups and municipal officials regarding the trajectory of LGBTQ+ policy under Golan, a Likud lawmaker serving as minister for social equality and advancement of women's status.

The matter has grown politically charged because LGBTQ+ services in Israel typically combine national ministry budgets, local authority personnel, and civil society groups. When ministry support is postponed, trimmed, or withdrawn, municipalities may need to reduce programs or cut positions.

Hebrew media earlier indicated that numerous local authorities employed LGBTQ+ coordinators reliant on ministry financing. Coverage over the past year highlighted doubts about continued state backing, alerts from municipalities on possible layoffs, and objections from LGBTQ+ organizations claiming the ministry was eroding established services.

The ministry encountered further scrutiny after reports that LGBTQ+ programs received directives to strip the Social Equality Ministry's logo from promotional materials. Golan rejected that this represented official policy and stated the directive was issued without approval.

Union presents the issue as a labor-rights matter

While public discussion has centered on LGBTQ+ rights and social policy, Histadrut HaMaof positioned the matter as a labor issue too.

The union stated the decision occurred rapidly, without proper input from worker representatives, and without full assessment of employment and social impacts.

"LGBTQ+ coordinators are not optional extras," Bar-Tal said. "They form an essential element of the community-service framework in local authorities, and each day they deliver support, guidance, and accompaniment to thousands of citizens."

He noted that portions of the work help avert risk and distress among teenagers and young adults.

"During a challenging social and economic period, the state ought to reinforce services of this kind," he said.

Bar-Tal urged the government and local authorities to reverse the plan, sustain program funding, and pursue genuine dialogue with worker representatives before enacting unilateral changes.

"Committed staff and the communities they assist must not suffer from an erroneous and shortsighted choice," he said.

The ministry had not provided an immediate public reply to the Histadrut request as of Wednesday evening.