{
  "id": 141081,
  "title": "‘Young, courageous leader’: Ramat Gan's first openly gay elected official joins Eisenkot's Yashar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/young-courageous-leader-ramat-gans-first-openly-gay-elected-official",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T18:54:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-904581"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Ramat Gan's Deputy Mayor and head of the Diamond Exchange District Administration, Israel Zari, announced his joining of Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party. This makes Zari the latest public official to align with the former IDF chief, marking a significant moment for the party. Eisenkot commended Zari's dedication to local government, LGBTQ+ rights, and opportunities for young Israelis in his previous municipal roles.\n\nBorn in Ramat Gan, Zari, 36, holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Reichman University and completed the Argov Program for Leadership and Diplomacy. Prior to his election, he worked as a personal adviser to Israel's transportation minister, spokesperson for various municipalities and organizations, including the Scouts movement and The Association for LGBTQ Equality in Israel.\n\nZari's journey to elected office began in 2018 when he was elected to the Ramat Gan City Council as the youngest independent party candidate. As the city's first openly LGBTQ elected official, he spearheaded reforms that propelled Ramat Gan to the top of the Aguda's municipal LGBTQ equality index. Zari stated that his entry into national politics was driven by his deep involvement with young Israelis and his conviction that active civic participation is crucial. He emphasized that in the current Israeli reality, citizens must take responsibility and influence national decision-making.\n\nZari's leadership is characterized by action, commitment to equality, and concern for future generations. He highlighted the dangers of hatred and division in Israeli society, expressing his decision to join Eisenkot's Yashar party due to his belief in honest, effective leadership that transcends partisan politics, serves all citizens, and offers a vision of hope and unity.",
  "summary": "\"Israel brings with him young, courageous, and principled leadership, alongside municipal experience and extensive work to strengthen civic engagement among teenagers and young adults,\" Eisenkot said",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}