Every year, here in Israel, we have one of the biggest pride parades in the world.
This year, in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community members who are still being held hostage in Gaza, those serving in reserve duty, and community members who lost their lives during these terrible times, Israel has decided not to have a parade and instead focus on the national grief and pain of the community. In solidarity, unique Pride flags have been hanged throughout Pride Month and the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality’s Pride and Hope Rally (Thursday, 6.6 at 6:00 PM, Charles Clore Park), will take place with cooperation of the Families of the Hostages Headquarters. This unique Pride flag was designed by Erez Evud. “The pride flag is a symbol of freedom,” said Mayor Ron Huldai. “This year, we demand freedom for the abducted men and women held hostage by Hamas. 125 of our sons and daughters are still kidnapped in Gaza, the circle of bereavement is expanding daily and we are in one of the most difficult periods in the history of the State of Israel. We grieve the pain of the entire country, and at the same time we never stop fighting for equality and freedom – for all of us.”
The unique Pride flag designed by Erez Evud
The non-festive atmosphere that will envelope the official Pride events of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality this year, is an opportunity to focus on the burning issues of the LGBTQ+ community in Israel, which continue to be essential and relevant even today, and perhaps especially today.
