Gay Pride in the Middle East
Frankly, your congenial editor thought it was a made up, Babylon Bee-type of story, but alas! it is not. Jon Brown writes in The Christian Post (April 22, 2026), that the "official X account of Israel, which is run by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, promoted an upcoming four-day LGBTQ+ pride festival in June at the Dead Sea…." What? Surely, no one would be so foolish as to attempt such a "celebration" amidst a number of Muslim anti-homosexual countries. Why not just paint a target on the location that reads, "Come get us if you can"? Probably those nations will consider this a slap in the face and believe that they are deliberately being antagonized (which is probably the case).
Aaron Cohen is "the main producer and initiator of the event," which will take place on June 1-4. This is not the first homosexual event associated with Israel, but it is the first one to take place at the Dead Sea. Ironically (or maybe intentionally), this site would probably be close to where the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim were located. These cities had a huge homosexual population, and God destroyed them with fire and brimstone (Gen. 19). Cohen says that "the scale of the festival in unprecedented." There are fifteen hotels, daily entertainment, beach facilities—and nonstop parties.
Who is Aaron Cohen? According to Wikipedia, he (born in 1976 in Montreal) is "an American-Canadian actor, ex-Israeli special forces agent, and counterterrorism analyst best known for his on-camera appearances on various major news cable programs." Also, he is Jewish. So, why are he and the Israeli government engaging in something that their Bible, the Old Testament, condemns? Surely, they are aware of Genesis 19 in which Sodom was destroyed. And if that is not enough incentive to stay away from the sin, how about their law, the Law of Moses, condemning homosexuality as a sin? Leviticus 18:22 declares: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." Do these words sound ambiguous? Is there some deep dark meaning that we are all overlooking? Leviticus 20:13 adds that two men thus engaged "shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." Does this verse not show God's attitude toward the sin?
Forget the Muslims; Cohen ought to fear God's retribution. But God has proven Himself patient over the centuries. And even though celebrating sin is an affront to Almighty God, He just may hold off punishing the participants until the Day of Judgment. Earth's time is just a few moments to One Who is eternal. God can wait. In the meantime, participants in this Land of Pride can fill up the measure of the wrath that will be poured out on them at the Day of Judgment. Denying that they are sinning or rejecting the Day of Judgment, will not change the facts. They will be humbled.