Gay rights: Jerusalem celebrates 20 years of pride marches

2 June 2022

Thousands of people have taken part in a colourful parade through the streets of Jerusalem carrying flags and banners as part of the city's annual LGBTQ+ Pride march.

News image — Jerusalem has held an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights since 2002, often having to push back against intimidation from ultra-Orthodox Jews among others.

Getty Images Marchers hold a rainbow banner in Jerusalem — Jerusalem has held an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ rights since 2002, often having to push back against intimidation from ultra-Orthodox Jews among others.

Getty Images A person dances during the march — But in Jerusalem, a holy city for Muslim, Christians and Jews, the LGBT community faces a tougher time gaining acceptance than in some coastal cities, like Tel Aviv.

Getty Images Israeli police line the route of the march — More than 2,400 police officers were deployed to protect marchers after organisers received death threats on Twitter and Facebook.

Getty Images Anti-LGBT rights protesters — And several dozen protesters against the march gathered along the route

Getty Images Two marchers embrace during the Pride celebrations — Despite the threats, up to 7,000 people attended the march.

Getty Images A man carries a rainbow flag with the Star of David emblazoned on it — The parade ended at Independence Park and featured performances from several Israeli singers

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