Thousands demand respect at annual gay pride parade in Jerusalem
Thousands of people took part in the annual Pride Parade in Jerusalem on Thursday amidst very strict security measures.
They demonstrated for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ) and waved rainbow flags.
According to the organizers, the parade is primarily about demanding equality, respect and tolerance.
The Pride Parade in Jerusalem has to be protected by a massive police presence every year. Jerusalem is home to many conservative and strictly religious Jews, Muslims and Christians who deny same-sex relationships as a violation of their religious commandments.
Ten years ago, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed 16-year-old Shira Banki to death during the parade.
Participants observed a minute's silence at the spot where Banki was killed in 2015.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who was at the event, said: "We demand love, respect and equality – including for the LGBTQ community, which is an integral part of Israeli society."
According to the news site ynet, Herzog is the first president to take part in the Pride Parade in Jerusalem.
The chairwoman of the organizer Jerusalem Open House, Hadas Bloemendal Kerem, said: "The Pride Parade in Jerusalem is a ray of light that has illuminated the city for over two decades and reminds us that we can live here together – with equality, tolerance and respect."
Clashes broke out between demonstrators and the police on the fringes of the parade, according to media reports.
Next week, large crowds are expected to attend the well-known Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv. The liberal coastal metropolis is considered a stronghold of the gay scene in Israel and the LGBTQ capital of the Middle East.
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