The Jerusalem District Police deployed 3,000 troops to secure the Gay Pride Parade in the capital, set to take place on Thursday afternoon. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Jerusalem march. The police are investigating several death threats against the organizers.
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In a first, Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy will become the first parliamentary speaker to take part in the parade. A former Jerusalem District Police chief, it was Levy who authorized the first pride parade in the city.
Levy denounced the threats: "I was stunned by this wild incitement to murder – incitement that has already led to murder," he said, referring to the 2015 stabbing of teenager Shira Banki by a religious zealot.
"We cannot remain silent when faces with such hatred and incitement. As speaker of the Knesset, which represents all Israelis, it is important for me to clearly state that LGBTQ Israelis are equal citizens who deserve equal rights. Anyone who cares bout freedom and equality and who opposes hatred and darkness should come to the parade and express support."
