Jewish LGBT group Keshet UK becomes a charity

An organisation that works to support LGBT people within Judaism has become a registered charity.

Keshet UK has worked with schools, youth movements and community organisations to create a deeper understanding of the specific issues that affect LGBT people particularly in the UK Jewish community.

The organisation specialises in bolstering inclusivity, working with a number of rabbis – as well as running over 100 workshops for volunteers.

The group was galvanised by poor visibility of LGBT issues in the Jewish community – with some State-run schools accused of promoting groups that suggest homosexuality can be “mitigated and potentially eliminated”.

“As a volunteer-run organisation, Keshet UK has gained momentum in the last two years and established itself in the UK Jewish community.

“We have built up a dedicated base of volunteers and private donors who have enabled us to grow to a point where demand for our services has stretched our capacity to deliver.

“This crucial step of charity registration will allow Keshet UK to move to a more sustainable model to achieve our core goals of training and education within the UK Jewish community.”

Jewish faith leaders were among those to speak out earlier this year, after an ultra-Orthodox man went on a stabbing rampage at Jerusalem Pride.

16-year-old Shira Banki was killed in the attack, and five others wounded – leading Jewish leaders to speak out against the horrific incident.