Gratitude, Resilience, and Global Connection: A Journey to Israel
By Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
The Journey Begins
On June 20, I arrived back in Houston after one of the most emotional, intense, and life-changing experiences of my life.
I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Israel, on June 8, 2025, as part of the North American LGBTQ+ Pride 2025 Delegation. I was invited by Consul General Livia Link-Raviv, Consul General of Israel Houston & Southwest. The delegation trip was organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The mission was clear and profound: to connect with the Israeli LGBTQ+ community, better understand the country, and build bridges across borders—especially in a place still deeply affected by the trauma of the October 7 attacks.
| "What began as a journey of connection turned into a test of resilience." |
Our delegation included incredible LGBTQ+ leaders from across the U.S. and Canada, joining a broader international group. None of us could have imagined we would soon be caught in an escalating international conflict.
Moments of Meaning
Our early days were filled with emotional and unforgettable moments. We visited sacred spaces like Yad Vashem, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance.
During our first group dinner, we received heartbreaking context about someone many of us had been thinking about. We had known before traveling that Sarah Milgrim, a respected member of the Israeli Embassy staff, had been tragically shot and killed alongside her boyfriend outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025.
What some of us did not know, including myself, was that Sarah had been the primary organizer of the LGBTQ+ delegation trip. Learning this while sitting together for the first time in Israel—on a journey she helped make possible—added a layer of grief and reverence to the entire experience. Her commitment to connection, understanding, and LGBTQ+ inclusion shaped the very foundation of the delegation. Her absence was deeply felt.
During one of our first group dinners together, we received our first shelter alert. We moved underground to the shelter. What is sadly routine for the Israelis was new—and terrifying—for us. After the alert cleared, we returned to our meal, a bit stunned but forever changed, with that specific experience, and deepening our connection as a group.
The Night Everything Changed
Around 3:00 a.m., our phones lit up with alerts. Iran had launched retaliatory strikes after Israel’s actions. We had just over a minute to shelter.
From that night on, we lived in a constant state of readiness—sleeping in our clothes, packing emergency bags, and sheltering repeatedly throughout the night. One missile landed nearby, shattering glass and shaking our hotel.
| “The terror of that moment, and the sound, is something I will never forget.” |
A Grueling Evacuation
Evacuation became the only option. After one failed attempt, we had two choices: stay and wait for a flight or evacuate through Jordan. Our group chose to stick together.
We left behind anything that could identify us as LGBTQ+ or Jewish before crossing into countries where our identities could be a risk—Pride shirts, hats, pins. The journey across the border was long, exhausting, and filled with uncertainty.
Once we finally reach Amman, the following day, we flew to Dubai, relieved but still tense. At the Dubai airport, more obstacles. One of my delegation colleagues was denied boarding due to aircraft load restrictions—airlines were limiting passengers because additional fule was required for the altered flight paths necessitated by the conflict. Just moments after I checked in for my own flight, airline staff began restricting boarding for other passengers. I was able to board only because of sheer timing and luck.
By the time I took my seat on that plane—after so many days of uncertainty, fear and exhaustion—the emotions were overwhelming. After over 16 hours in the air, I landed safely in Houston.
A Continued Sense of Purpose
The emotion hit the moment I saw my wife. Relief. Gratitude. Exhaustion. And so much love.
| “Israel is no longer just a place on the news. It’s names and faces I care about deeply.” |
I’m still processing everything. The heartbreak, the friendships, the resilience of the Israeli people—and especially its LGBTQ+ community. I’ve formed bonds that will last a lifetime. I don’t regret going. I was meant to be there.
Thank You
To the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Canadian Embassy, and the Consul General of Israel—thank you for protecting us, guiding us, and getting us home safely.
To my fellow delegates: our shared strength will forever connect us.
To my wife, the Chamber Board and Team, our members, and our friends—thank you for your love and support. I carried it with me the entire way.
What Comes Next...
Israel is a complicated, beautiful place. It’s more than a news headline. It’s a part of my heart now.
I return to my work at the Chamber with a renewed sense of purpose. As an international city, Houston has a powerful role to play in building bridges and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community across the globe.
We are one. Across borders. Across identities. In our shared fight for safety, dignity, and equality—we are one.
For now, I’m simply—and deeply—grateful to be home.
