safety
Distraught patrons mourn closure of Jerusalem's only gay bar: "There are populations that need this"
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 11, 2026
· 4 min read
Jerusalem's LGBTQ+ community is mourning the closure of the city's only gay bar, which bid farewell to patrons at the end of June. Video Pub has been a haven for LGBTQ+ Israelis and tourists for the past 14 years, but its owner, Avi Goldberger, believes it's no longer needed. Related How LGBTQ+ affi
Key takeaway "This place is a home," 31-year-old Ido Zangen told Haaretz, adding, "It's a safety net that I'm not sure is going to exist now.
Why this matters
The closure of Video Pub, Jerusalem's only gay bar, highlights the complexities of measuring progress in LGBTQ+ acceptance. While the bar's owner believes increased acceptance renders a dedicated LGBTQ+ space unnecessary, patrons and experts disagree, citing the bar's role as a safety net and haven for diverse individuals. The fact that a Palestinian woman felt accepted at Video Pub, despite potential cultural and societal barriers, underscores the bar's unique value. The concerns of patrons, including those from conservative or religious backgrounds, demonstrate that a dedicated LGBTQ+ space provides a sense of community and liberation that may not be replicable in more general venues. As the US LGBTQ+ community knows, legal protections and social acceptance can vary greatly by location, and the loss of a safe space like Video Pub can have significant consequences for marginalized individuals. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other national resources may be able to provide support and guidance for those affected by the closure.
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Jerusalem's LGBTQ+ community is mourning the closure of the city's only gay bar, which bid farewell to patrons at the end of June. Video Pub has been a haven for LGBTQ+ Israelis and tourists for the past 14 years, but its owner, Avi Goldberger, believes it's no longer needed. Related How LGBTQ+ affi
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .