by David Fiorentini
The twenty-sixth edition of the iconic Tel Aviv Pride was canceled in solidarity with the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, Jewish News reported.
“This is not the time to celebrate,” announces Mayor Ron Huldai. “132 of our sons and daughters are still hostages in Gaza, the deaths are increasing every day and we find ourselves in one of the most difficult periods in the State of Israel.”
Tel Aviv is well known as a center of activism LGBTQ+ in Israel and the region, leading several rankings for the most “gay-friendly” cities in the world.
For this reason, instead of the festive atmosphere typical of the parade, “in coordination with gay community organizations, the city will host a rally for pride, hope and freedom.”
“We share the pain of the whole country and we will never stop fighting for equality and freedom,” concluded the mayor.
On the other hand the Jerusalem Open Housethe organizing committee of Jerusalem Pride, has instead confirmed that its event will take place as scheduled.
In stark contrast to the joyfulness of the Tel Aviv demonstration, the capital’s parade has a more politically engaged meaning, representing a contemptuous opposition to the most extremist and intolerant religious parties towards the LGBTQ+ community.
A very tense environment, which in 2015 degenerated into a tragic episode of violence, when an ultra-Orthodox man stabbed six people, killing a 16-year-old girl.
(Photo: Shlomi Yosef. Source: Tel Aviv Pride Parade Facebook page)
