More than 100,000 people participated in the annual Tel Aviv Pride Parade on Friday.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai announced at the start of the march that it “represents exactly how all of Israel needs to look – equal, inclusive, and loving.”
He added, “The city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa is a warm home for all the communities that live there and is proud to be a groundbreaking city in relation to the LGBT community and a global source of inspiration, and we are marching again this year to continue the struggle for full equality for every citizen.”
The parade was accompanied by dancers and DJs performing atop five trucks and three buses.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid posted a message in support of the LGBT community on X/Twitter as the parade began.
“As long as ‘homo’ or ‘trans’ is a curse in schools, as long as a lesbian walks the streets feeling unsafe, as long as there is a girl or boy who is afraid to come out of the closet – we have a duty to change reality for them,” he wrote. “LGBT – be proud. You have reason to. I’m with you.”
Chen Arieli, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and chair of the Israel Gay Youth society, also spoke ahead of the Pride Parade, saying that this year, more than ever, it served as a reminder that achievements should not be taken for granted.
“In days when some seek to weaken democracy, violate human rights, and repeatedly mark different groups in society as internal enemies, the Pride Parade is a clear civic declaration for a strong democracy in Israel,” she said.
“The LGBTQ+ community has fought for decades to secure basic rights, recognition, and safety. This struggle has never been only about LGBTQ+ issues.
“It has always been a fight over the character of Israeli society as a whole. This year, we also march for those still waiting for full equality, for young people seeking a safe place to be themselves, for families still fighting for recognition, and for a country where no one should fear because of who they love or who they are.
Arieli added, “Pride is the choice to be seen, to speak out, and to fight for a better future... [and we will] continue marching until equality becomes a reality for everyone.”
Tel Aviv Deputy Mayor and LGBTQ Affairs portfolio holder Meital Lehavi said that “a celebration without commitment is just a party, and a march without action is just a procession. Today, we are raising a huge march and party here, under the title ‘Voting with our feet,’ as a symbol of the commitment to continue building liberal power, knowing that the Israel we want will not be built in one speech but in a hundred thousand steps of people who have decided not to remain silent or be satisfied with crumbs.”
She concluded, “And I expect the proud men and women to flock to the polls so that together we can bring about change.”
Democrats MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv announced on X that he, along with other representatives from the Democrats party, was at the parade. “Standing proudly in front of the Kahanists. Standing proudly in front of the homophobes. And standing proudly in front of the cowards,” he wrote. “Come march with us for equality, tolerance, democracy, and peace.”
Police on high alert as planned attack against LGBT community averted
Israel Police announced that over 1,000 police officers, undercover officers, Border Police officers, and volunteers were deployed throughout the event to ensure the safety and security of all participants. Special units, including the Israel Police’s air and maritime units, were also deployed.
The police announced that they had averted a planned attack against the LGBT community, arresting Haifa resident Amir Maron, 37. He had posted on social media that “they were destroyed once, it’s about time they were destroyed again. Sick people, disgusting.”
Police on Friday asked the Haifa Magistrate’s Court to extend Maron's detention by four days after he spent the night in custody, but the judge ordered his release.
Although Haifa Magistrate’s Court Judge Jada Basul found reasonable suspicion that a crime had been committed, saying, “The wording of the comment contains a call for an act of violence against the LGBTQ community, which poses an unnecessary risk.”
However, she ruled there was no justification for keeping him in custody.
She ordered his release under restrictive conditions, including three days of full house arrest at his brother’s home, a requirement to report for questioning as needed, a 30-day ban on using social media “except for viewing only,” and a prohibition on entering the Tel Aviv area for 30 days.
The release was also conditioned on self-bail of NIS 5,000.