In wake of the ongoing war in Gaza, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai decided (Wednesday) to cancel the annual Pride parade in the city. "This is not the time for celebrations," Huldai was quoted as saying in a press release.
The announcement issued by the mayor reads: "In coordination with the organizations of the gay community, we have decided that this year, instead of the pride parade, we will hold a rally in Tel Aviv-Jaffa as a sign of pride, hope and freedom."
According to him: "132 of our sons and daughters are still being held in Gaza, the circle of bereavement is expanding every day and we are in one of the most difficult periods of the State of Israel. Tel Aviv-Jaffa is the home of the gay community, as it was and always will be. Out of our great commitment to the community, this year we decided to divert part of the budget earmarked for the production of the parade for the benefit of the "Pride Center" in Tel Aviv-Yafo.
At the end he wrote: "We feel the pain of the entire country, and at the same time, we are not stopping the fight for equality and freedom - for everyone and everything."