In April 1999 the Lesbian and Gay Task Force of the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation paid a visit to the Agudah. But that's not true. There's a very vibrant gay community. As with most visible gay communities, Israel's is not free from the bite of homophobia. And even in a country with compulsory military requirements, discrimination and homophobic attitudes have been known to infiltrate the army, agreed Pinkas and Fein.
Some soldiers feel such hard pressure that they leave.
Fein explained that it's the older generation of soldiers that struggles more with the issues of homosexuality. But many senior officers are still in the closet. They'd be much happier 'out,' but they also might feel hurt. This type of scenario, said Fein, is mirrored by Israeli society. When it comes to being out, younger people well outnumber those who are older.