CHEN ARIELI

Chen Arieli is the Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, in charge of the welfare and public health administration in the city. Arieli is the first lesbian deputy mayor in Tel Aviv-Yafo, who joined politics after 20 years of working in civil society. Arieli is also one of Israel’s most prominent social activists and leaders. Alongside her municipal commitments, Arieli serves as the chairperson of IGY - The Proud Youth Organization. IGY is a socio-educational organization working for LGBTQIA+ youth and young people (12–23) in the development of sexual/gender identity.

Furthermore, Arieli established and serves as the chairperson of Shitha, an institute for local policy that aims to promote liberal and democratic values within local authorities throughout Israel. Arieli came to national prominence through leading Israel’s LGBTQIA+ community toward equal rights in her position as the Chairperson of the LGBTQIA+ umbrella organization (known as the Aguda), a position she held for seven years. In December 2018, Arieli led a historic women's protest in Israel, calling to stop violence against women. She also led a protest of hundreds of thousands of women in a unique collaboration of Palestinian and Jewish women, demonstrating in more than 150 locations across the country.

Arieli is 47, was born and raised in Haifa, and has lived in Tel Aviv-Yafo for the past 25 years. She is married to Halite Levy, a leading film and television director, and together they live and work in the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

What has been the most challenging time in your life and why?

Being a queer teenager in Haifa in the ‘90s with no social support, alone and scared that I’m the only one like me, and feeling that I can't talk about my identity with anyone around me.

What is one of your proudest moments in life?

When I was the chair of the Aguda—the Israeli LGBT Task Force, I led the largest demonstration in the country's history regarding LGBT rights and the right to have a family. Over 100,000 people attended, with over 350 Israeli businesses publicly supporting the cause. I stood there on stage and couldn't believe it was me, the troubled lesbian kid from Haifa, standing there, alive and upfront, leading the fight for justice.

What is your favorite Israeli dish?

I can't live without the Israeli fruits and vegetables I believe are the best in the world!

The kitchen is my favorite place in the house; every Friday early morning, I visit the farmer's market, meet and talk with them, and enjoy their fresh and local products. I love to cook and have people that I love around the table. So next time you are in Tel Aviv, you are invited!

If you could meet with any famous figure, living or dead, who would it be?

Golda Meir. I would love to ask her about her being the first woman prime minister in Israel, back when local feminism wasn’t common.

What is your favorite location within Israel, and why?

I love the desert. It’s the place that gives me peace of mind and inspiration. The colors and the open sky allow me to take a deep breath and then return to the city, motivated and inspired.

Who is an Inspiration for you?

Any boy or girl who comes out inspires me. We all have closets; we all come out of them in our lives. But young people coming out as LGBTQ are especially brave and lead the way for others to be themselves.

What advice would you give a young person who wants to change the world?

You are not alone. You are special and significant just the way you are. If something needs to change, it's the world, so participate in changing reality. Revolution is achieved collectively. You can stand on a hill shouting your ideas and what you wish to change, but if you don't find people to shout it with you, you will just be a crazy individual screaming on a hill.

What is your biggest fear?

To lose loved ones. I lost my parents at an early age, and that made me build strong relationships with others. But it also made me want to provide safety for others.

If you could change one thing about Israel, what would it be?

Israel is a great country. But we need to continue fighting for her spirit; we need to make sure Israel will be positive for everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or skin color.

Tell us what you are most excited about for IGY’s future.

Teenagers and young adults are the future. We must ensure that they have all the opportunities to shine and build the future of our society. The youths at IGY inspire me, and I love that IGY continues to blossom and bring Israel over the rainbow.

Check out Chen Arieli on Instagram: @chenarieli