THOUSANDS took part in Jerusalem’s Gay Pride march on Thursday under heavy security over fears of violence and a year after most of the globe’s Pride events were called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some 3,000 police officers lined the route as marchers waved rainbow flags, placards and balloons, and several streets were blocked off and a helicopter circled over the city centre.
Ultra-right wing groups had called for a counter-demonstration and several people were arrested on suspicion of potential threats prior to the start of the march.
Jerusalem has held an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights since 2002, often against the backdrop of protests from the ultra-Orthodox Jews and far-right extremists.
On July 30, 2015, an ultra-Orthodox Jew stabbed to death teenager Shira Banki during the parade and wounded six others, since when the annual event has been heavily protected.
Thursday’s events began with a ceremony honouring Banki’s
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