Don’t allow Israel to ‘pinkwash’ genocide

If you are a sceptic when it comes to the efficacy of soft power, watch what Israel is doing. Acutely aware that it is being isolated on the global stage despite its military might, Israel is desperately trying to tidy up its image.

- Chintan Girish Modi

Interestingly, the movement to secure the rights of LGBTQ people is being instrumentalised to cover up its mass killing of Palestinians.

Israel is actively positioning itself as the only LGBTQ-friendly country in West Asia. It hosts delegations of LGBTQ activists from around the world, and this happened again at the recent Tel Aviv Pride. With its credibility on the decline, Israel is banking on activists to boost its status.

Literature festivals in India are no longer ecstatic about partnering with the Embassy of Israel, either because of ideological solidarity with Palestine or because they fear being cancelled by writers who support the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel.

With the shrinking space for Israel to have its official voice heard in India’s cultural sector, it needs new allies. India’s LGBTQ community presents itself as easy prey to pounce upon.

Indian activists must refuse to be co-opted as ambassadors for Brand Israel, a marketing campaign to promote the country as a tourist destination and safe haven for LGBTQ travellers.