Called Off

As usual, having attended the Pride Happening in Jerusalem yesterday (#4), it was a peaceful and enlightening event filled with a diversity of people from secular to religious and supporters from all spectrums of life. Though it is never mentioned in the press, the first L/G Pride March & Rally was held in Jerusalem in June 2002. Jerusalem is Israel's most populated city, so it is therefore natural that thousands of lesbian and gay Jerusalemites enjoy a day of celebration - we look at it as a cultural celebration and not to antagonize any group, therefore the parade/celebration is held in a secular part of Jerusalem. So much more can be said and will be said. The most enlightening is that because of all the publicity the Haredi community suddenly (this year and not in 2002) cast upon the Jerusalem l/g community, the media in these last few weeks realized that the Haredi antagonizers cannot defend their accusations and though polls showed that a majority of Israelis were against the march, the gap diminished daily. Education and public debate will bring understanding between the sides. Though it could take a few centuries, the public debate has finally begun thanks to the Haredim. And it is great timing because the Jerusalem L/G community is now mature and ready to educate the Haredi community of who we are.)

How many churches mock, condemn and intimidate glbt people all the time? There always seems to be this confusion as to who is the instigator.