The Only Gay Bar in Jerusalem Closes After 14 Years

At the end of June 2026, Video Pub, the only gay bar in Jerusalem, closed its doors after operating for over 14 years.

The owner of the establishment, Avi Goldberger, attributed this decision to a combination of factors: a decline in tourism due to the pandemic and military conflicts, as well as an overall increase in tolerance towards the LGBTQ community. According to him, there is no longer a need for specialized venues, as most bars in the city are now open to everyone.

However, as reported by The Times of Israel, many regular patrons disagree with this stance. For them, Video Pub was an important symbolic and safe space. Patrons point out that in conservative Jerusalem, there is still a need for dedicated spaces where LGBTQ individuals can feel free and safe without facing homophobia or violence.