'Born to be Free': Tens of thousands march in Jerusalem Pride, call for hostage deal
Ten thousand people marched in the 22nd Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March on Thursday afternoon, calling for equal rights and the release of the hostages being held in Gaza.
The march was held under the title “Born to Be Free” in partnership with the families of hostages being held by Hamas. It was dedicated both to calling for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and for the release of the hostages still in captivity in Gaza.
The Jerusalem Hostage Forum led a dedicated group calling for the release of the hostages, and a group of Hapoel Jerusalem soccer fans marched to call for the release of their friend Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who is still captive in Gaza.
Another group marched in memory of Maj. Sagi Golan carrying banners reading “Equality in Life.” Golan was killed while fighting Hamas terrorists on October 7 in Kibbutz Be’eri, just days before he was set to get married to his fiancé, Omer Ohana.
While most years the march is accompanied by loud music and dancing, this didn’t take place this year due to the war. Some slower and somber music was played.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-804406
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The parade is led by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and the Jerusalem Open House or Pride and Tolerance.
The event is promoting the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
Israelis march and wave pride flags together.
A young girl holds up a pride flag.
I also have others and I always wear them to pride events now.