LGBT Support Line Offers Lifeline Amid Crisis and Conversion Therapy
A hotline for LGBTQ+ individuals in Israel, "Yesh Im Mi Le'daber" ("There is Someone to Talk To"), is increasing its public outreach following a tragic incident where a frequent caller died by suicide, leaving a significant donation to the organization. The hotline, operated by the Israeli National Association for LGBTQ+ Support (Aguda), has been running for nearly three decades with volunteers. In the first half of 2026, it received 1,130 calls, with 42 identified as acute psychological crises or suicide risks.
One individual, identified only as A., shared his experience of growing up in a religious-nationalist household where he felt "damaged" and was subjected to conversion therapy, a practice banned in many countries and considered harmful. He found solace and validation by calling the hotline, stating that knowing about it earlier would have changed his adolescence. "Saying the two words 'I am gay' out loud to an adult was something completely unreal for me," A. recounted. "But on the other end of the line, they listened carefully, which helped me understand that my feelings are normal and have a right to exist."
Analysis of calls involving suicidal intent reveals that callers range from 16 to 34 years old, with a majority under 30. Approximately half of these individuals identify as transgender. The article emphasizes that suicidal thoughts often stem from prolonged psychological distress, family rejection, violence, loneliness, and identity-related crises. A. experienced this isolation, particularly within his religious educational environment, which lacked positive LGBTQ+ representation and promoted negative stereotypes, leading him to believe something was wrong with him.
A. also described being directed to conversion therapy by a rabbi at his yeshiva (religious academy) at age 18, paying for sessions with borrowed money. He stresses the importance of the hotline as an alternative to such harmful practices. Gil Fishhof, the hotline's coordinator for 24 years, noted that callers include teenagers and adults from diverse backgrounds, facing severe crises, including suicidal ideation. While volunteers are trained for such situations, many calls focus on everyday issues like loneliness and family relationships.
The "Yesh Im Mi Le'daber" hotline operates Sunday to Thursday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and Saturday evenings from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Contact numbers are *2982 and WhatsApp at 058-6205591.
