Tel Aviv Pride Parade Canceled, Replaced By Rally Amid Ongoing Conflict
With the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza raging, Tel Aviv-Yafo authorities have announced the cancellation of the city’s annual Pride parade, opting instead to hold a rally instead. The decision was made after municipality representatives consulted with LGBTQIA+ community organisations, party promoters, and venue owners to discuss possible alternatives to the Pride parade.
Mayor Ron Huldai: “132 of Our Sons and Daughters Still Kidnapped in Gaza”
Mayor Ron Huldai stated the reasons for the change in a recent post, “This is not the time for celebrations. In coordination with the organisations of the LGBTQIA+ community, we decided that this year, instead of the Pride parade, we will hold a rally in Tel Aviv-Yafo as a sign of pride, hope, and freedom. 132 of our sons and daughters are still kidnapped in Gaza, the circle of bereavement is expanding every day, and we are in one of the most difficult periods of the State of Israel.”
Pride Parade Budget Diverted to Support LGBTQIA+ Center Activities
Huldai emphasised that Tel Aviv-Yafo remains the home of the LGBTQIA+ community, adding, “Out of our great commitment to the community, this year we decided to divert part of the budget intended for the production of the Pride parade in favour of the activities of the LGBTQIA+ Center in Tel Aviv-Yafo. We feel the pain of the entire country, and at the same time, we do not stop for a moment the fight for equality and freedom — for everyone and everything. See you at the Pride parade in June 2025.”
LGBTQIA+ Organisations Welcome the Decision
The coalition of LGBTQIA+ community organisations welcomed the decision, stating, “We welcome the decision of the Tel Aviv Municipality not to hold the Pride parade as usual this year. In these difficult days, when we are all in pain and grieving and when many of our brothers and sisters are not at home, either as evacuees from their homes or kidnapped in Gaza, and our hearts are not whole until they return. It is true that the Pride events will undergo adjustments to the times.”
They added, “The Pride parade in Tel Aviv, in contrast to the other parades and events throughout the country, has been a celebration of freedom, love, and equal rights and now, in these difficult days, it is important to continue to fight for a free and tolerant future even if we avoid the celebration.”
