first arrests
Jerusalem braced for another tense day as a colorful protest unfolded within the holy city. A Pride march planned to showcase LGBTQ visibility faced a heavy security presence. In recent weeks, far-right groups had circulated threats and calls for violence, while pro-LGBTQ demonstrators prepared to march to mark the start of a Pride month. Security authorities mobilized roughly 2,000 police officers to patrol the route and surrounding streets, aiming to prevent any incidents and ensure public safety.
Even before the protest began, authorities announced arrests tied to the mounting tension. Two men were taken into custody in Jerusalem and another location in the central region after expressing anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Law enforcement has been on heightened alert for several days to safeguard participants and bystanders alike as the operation commenced. The event, dubbed the Jerusalem March for the Pride of Tolerance, coincided with an opposing march under the banner against the protest, titled Passage of Disgust, which added to street-level strain in the capital.
first arrests
One of the first arrestees was a 60-year-old man who posted messages online that encouraged harming participants. He remained under house arrest following questioning late on Wednesday and received a five-day restraining order in Jerusalem. A second detainee faced a similar distancing requirement after making extreme anti-LGBTQ+ statements in a Telegram post. A spokesperson noted the security measures in place and the broader intent to maintain calm during a sensitive political moment. National authorities stressed a commitment to protecting both free expression and public safety.
Close to two thousand officers were deployed across the holy city to monitor the area where the opposing march, described by some as a counter-demonstration, was planned to take place alongside the Pride events.
protest against a transphobic book
Israeli media reported strong condemnation of the parade from Palestinian groups in Gaza, where authorities described the Pride celebration as a provocation. They urged the Palestinian public to oppose the procession. Alongside these official warnings, a prominent far-right activist led a counter-protest organized by Lehava, an organization aligned with hardline political figures. The group obtained police clearance to stage demonstrations a few blocks from the Pride parade, highlighting the charged atmosphere around the event. Proponents of the counter-protest argued that freedom of expression and other democratic rights must be upheld, provided safety and security are maintained for all involved.
One of the speakers asserted that while freedom of expression is essential, it should not undermine public order or endanger protest participants. He emphasized his stance against what he described as extreme orthodox or religiously motivated opposition, framing his position as defense of his community’s rights. The debate also touched on the planned presentation of a Hebrew translation of a controversial book regarding transgender issues, prompting additional demonstrations around the focus on trans youth and related cultural debates.