In 1997, Jerusalem Open House was founded. Now, twenty years later, we are a thriving advocacy and service provider for the LGBT community in Jerusalem. Our programs are geared to community needs and our center is open daily for the community to visit, learn, and create friendships. Our HIV/AIDS Open Clinic was founded in 2005 and our Open Counseling program (in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality) provides individual counseling and support groups for diverse populations. Our Youth/Teen program provides a safe haven and opportunities for socializing for LGBT and questioning youth in a nurturing environment. A program for transgender individuals provides a safe haven for open discussion with peers.  Whether Arab, ultra-Orthodox Jewish, or secular, we welcome youth with a variety of support groups and programs. Our Tolerance Education Program in memory of Shira Banki z"l educates students, teachers, counselors, soldiers, and the community in an effort to increase awareness and tolerance, while decreasing bias against LGBT citizens. We believe that the values that drive these programs are the values that can increase acceptance of the LGBT community in Jerusalem while improving civil society in our city.  Our newest initiative is a program to provide community and support to LGBT elders in Jerusalem which will be implemented in 2018. 

A team of JOH volunteers, friends, and supporters will be running in the Tel Aviv Marathon on February 24th, 2018.  JOH volunteer Branden Johnson is the Team Captain. Please support Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance and our amazing team by making pledges through this site. Join Lynn Schusterman and The Schusterman Foundation (who pledged $1800!) in supporting our team and Jerusalem Open House.