On June 11, 2019, Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP had the privilege of hosting a luncheon featuring a discussion with Michal Eden, a leading LGBT family law attorney and mediator joining us from Israel. Organized by Frederick Hertz, a fellow family law attorney, mediator and friend of the firm, Michal offered her insights on the past discrimination facing LGBT families, the current state of Israeli law pertaining to divorces, adoptions, and surrogacy, and the continuing struggle to effectuate change on a national level in Israel.
Michal has been advocating on behalf of lesbian and gay families for decades, not just as an attorney but as the first out lesbian elected official in Tel Aviv. As a City Council member, Michal brought same sex equality to the couples registry in municipal services, which was the first time that a local authority in Israel recognized same-sex couples. She also organized an LGBT youth hostel for those expelled from their homes due to orientation discrimination or gender affiliation.
At our luncheon on June 11th, Michal engaged with local family law attorneys to discuss the recent challenges and victories facing LGBT families in Israel. She reminded our group that despite the outward appearance of equality for Israeli LGBT families, they still face discrimination in their fight to be recognized as parents and spouses under the law. Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP was proud to host such a staunch advocate for LGBT families, and we support her continued advocacy to effectuate change in Israel.
By: Joseph Urbanski
Partner at Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica LLP