The majority of Jerusalem's residents are observant Jews, Muslims or Christians, conservative communities whose members mostly frown on homosexuality. Jerusalem, known for its rich religious history, holds a modest pride parade each year. The city stands in sharp contrast to much of the region, where people are persecuted and may even be killed because of their sexuality. Israel is widely tolerant of gay people, and Tel Aviv has emerged as one of the world's most gay-friendly travel destinations. Parts of the bustling city shut for traffic and loud music blasted along the parade's route, which was crowded with people dancing and waving balloons and rainbow flags. "I feel so happy, so happy, that I can go to the Middle East and still be proud, it's very nice," said Swedish tourist Dona Ulzen. "The sun is out and everybody is partying and having fun, the atmosphere is great," said Christian Tummann, a German tourist celebrating with his husband. Israeli media reported that 200,000 people joined the festivities. Jewish ultra-Orthodox parties, which wield significant influence over matters of religion and state, oppose homosexuality as a violation of religious law.Īssociated Press reporter Shlomo Mor contributed to this report.TEL AVIV, Israel - Colourfully-dressed drag queens and bare-chested muscular men on floats partied alongside thousands of others from the LGBT community at Tel Aviv's annual gay pride parade on Friday, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Support for gay rights is increasingly widespread in Israel, where gay people serve openly in the military and parliament. The police later also said they arrested a husband and wife who assaulted police officers while trying to enter the parade area so they could heckle the event. The man in his 30s was found carrying nunchaku, an Asian martial arts weapon, as well as an electric shocker, chains and other “means of assault,” the police said. Police said they arrested a suspected attacker in Tel Aviv after tracking him ahead of the parade. A radical ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed a 16-year-old girl to death at a Pride event in Jerusalem in 2015, an attack that was condemned across the political spectrum. Pride events in Jerusalem, home to a large ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, tend to be more subdued. Thousands of people marched through Jerusalem earlier this month in a much smaller Pride parade, celebrating LGBTQ rights in the conservative city amid heavy police security.
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"I’m very proud that I can be here in a free country with free people together. “It is so delicious, it is amazing," she said.
Nina Korolev said it was the first time she attended a Pride parade.
“It is not just a celebration, it is also a demonstration for our rights, for our existence, so it feels really good to be here again to march with everyone,” said Noam Klar. Several marchers said they were sad to have missed the parade last year. Israel fully reopened this spring after carrying out one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns, but a recent outbreak driven by the more contagious delta variant has raised concerns.Īuthorities are once again requiring people to wear masks in indoor public places starting Friday, and are advising mask-wearing at large outdoor events like the Pride celebrations. "This year, more than ever, we will celebrate together, march together, and fight together for equality.” “Pride events in Tel Aviv-Yafo are a long-standing tradition, centered on a message of equality, acceptance, and human and civil rights," Mayor Ron Huldai said.