Tens of Thousands Rally for Freedom and Hostage Deal at Jerusalem Pride

On Thursday afternoon, ten thousand people took part in the 22nd Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March, advocating for equal rights and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The march, themed “Born to Be Free,” partnered with the families of those captured by Hamas and was dedicated to the dual causes of LGBTQ+ equality and the urgent demand for the hostages' release.

The Jerusalem Hostage Forum led a significant contingent calling for the hostages’ freedom, including a group of Hapoel Jerusalem soccer fans rallying for their friend Hersh Goldberg-Polin, still captive in Gaza. Another group marched in memory of Maj. Sagi Golan, who was killed by Hamas terrorists on October 7, carrying banners with the message “Equality in Life.” Golan was set to marry his fiancé, Omer Ohana, just days before his death.

In a break from tradition, this year's march was marked by a more somber tone due to the ongoing war. Participants noted the absence of the usual festivities, replaced with slower, reflective music and a quicker pace, reflecting the subdued mood and smaller turnout.

Despite the heavy police presence of about 2,000 officers ensuring security, the event proceeded without major incidents. Some protesters carried signs calling for an end to the war, while others displayed a banner reading “supporting Palestinians = supporting terrorism.”

Omer Ohana addressed the rally, urging unity and equality: “There are those who are threatened by all this, but I want to tell you – I have no goal to win you over. The fact that we will be equal, does not mean that something in your rights will be harmed. The days when we fought within ourselves must end. We live in a reality where there is enough war out there. Among us, we need to be together.”

Nilly Maderer, CEO of the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance, reflected on how the war has altered the essence of Pride. “This is not a normal year, and out of the despair and pain, a key thing became clear – the cure for pain, sadness, and loss – is the community,” Maderer said. She highlighted the organization's efforts to influence change, provide emergency aid, and promote inclusivity through national projects and policy advocacy.

Havruta and Bat Kol, central organizations within the religious Jewish LGBTQ+ community, also participated, emphasizing unity and the need for national solidarity. “There are kidnapped, murdered, wounded, evacuated, many of us are in the reserves and the terrible situation in which the nation of Israel finds itself does not allow us to be happy this year, but we will not stop marching for the right to be who we are without giving up our Jewish identity.”

Jonathan Valfer, chair of the Jerusalem Open House, called for a more inclusive Israeli society. “Our Israeli society has much to learn from the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance and the LGBTQ+ community in our capital city. The time has come for our Israeli home to make room for everyone, even when it’s a bit crowded and resources are limited.”

The traditional counter-protest by right-wing groups took place in Bloomfield Garden, across from where the march began, but the focus remained on the messages of equality and the urgent call for the hostages' release.

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