In a remarkable turn of events, Jerusalem’s annual Pride parade saw an unexpected source of protection as Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s minister for police and former far-rightist adversary, stood alongside the participants to maintain order. The event, which attracted approximately 30,000 individuals, marked a significant shift for Ben-Gvir, who had previously denounced the parade as an “abomination.” However, this time, he faced opposition from the very community he once criticized, as chants of “shame” echoed through the air.
Having risen to prominence in national politics as the leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Power party, Ben-Gvir has disavowed his past remarks and now regards homosexuals as his “brothers.” He has made assurances of providing security for all law-abiding citizens, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the safety of the marchers. With around 2,000 officers deployed, including some in plainclothes to blend in, Ben-Gvir expressed his determination to prevent any harm befalling the participants.
Despite the precautions taken, concerns loomed over potential threats against the marchers. Prior to the event, police detained three individuals suspected of making such threats. Additionally, the Islamist militant group Hamas called on Palestinians, who dispute Israeli control of Jerusalem, to “confront” the Gay Pride parade. Fortunately, the parade concluded without incident. Nevertheless, the LGBTQ community remains apprehensive, citing a distressing 400% surge in anti-LGBTQ incidents since the installation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition government in December.
The unexpected alliance between Ben-Gvir and the parade participants has evoked mixed reactions within Jerusalem’s diverse population. Meirav Cohen, a centrist opposition lawmaker, found it deeply disconcerting to witness Ben-Gvir, who once advocated for a “parade” comparing homosexuality to bestiality, now serving as the minister of police. Ben-Gvir, however, maintains that Jerusalem encompasses a “mosaic” of differing views and pledges to safeguard the right to counter-protest.
Among those exercising their right to counter-protest was Benzion Gopshtein, a veteran far-right activist and the father-in-law of Ben-Gvir’s chief of staff. Gopshtein expressed his opposition to the parade, emphasizing the importance of protest in a democratic country. He stood behind a police cordon alongside several other predominantly religious Jewish men, one of whom held a sign reading, “Jerusalem is not Sodom.”
Alon Shahar, CEO of the Jerusalem LGBTQ centre Open House, emphasized that this year’s parade aimed not only to advocate for policy breakthroughs but also to reclaim the right to walk the streets without fear of bullying, physical violence, or verbal abuse. Despite the controversies surrounding the event, the LGBTQ community in Jerusalem remains resilient, committed to asserting their rights and promoting inclusivity within the city.
As the annual Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem concludes, the unexpected support from Itamar Ben-Gvir sparks both hope and skepticism within the LGBTQ community, amid rising concerns over the surge in anti-LGBTQ incidents.