Well, it seems that homophobes have won over in Israel. Conceding to threats of violence, gay activists in Jerusalem have agreed to shut down the pride parade scheduled for tomorrow. In exchange, Orthodox Jews and other religious conservatives have agreed not to disrupt the afternoon pride rally. In a Ynet News article, the gay organizers says:
Out of our responsibility for the public we decided to hold a large demonstration at the Givat Ram stadium instead of the planned parade. Also, the Open House organization called on the haredi public to follow suit and refrain from taking part in violent riots, which are a burden to the security force.
The agreement comes in the wake of riots and threats of violence made by religious conservatives who see the parade as an slight Jerusalem’s holy status.
Alright, we understand that no one wants to see violence interrupt a pride parade, but we can’t help but feel that this concession’s not so much proud as it is weak. But, who are we to judge, right? We’ll leave that to you guys. What’s your opinion: should Open House organizers should have caved to their enemies?
Ryan
Did thousands of supporters decide not to go to the South during the Southern Freedom Movement because of threats of violence? No. They went, they got African Americans the vote and other rights and the country was better for it.
Violence was committed against them – some of them were even killed. However, it’s a live free or die world out there and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To bow down to violent religious whackos is absolutely rediculous. One of the biggest problems today is that people are afraid to get down, dirty and possibly hurt. Let’s just say that wasn’t Ghandi’s view on things.
Paul Edwards
Pathetic. This is no concession, it’s a defeat.
Containment of Pride defeats the purpose, no?
Further, the hypocrisy of these orthodox jews involved is disgusting.
Did we not share bunks at camp together not so long ago?
Malcolm Q
I don’t know about Jerusalem but here in America, the pride parades are less about pride and more about partying/socializing. Give me a rally or a march over a parade anyday. Parades have long ago ceased to have much benefit to our community.
The religious right have revivals, rallies and all sorts of events that involve organizing and accomplishing an objective, rather than dressing up and using the event as an excuse to get drunk in the street. A rally’s what we need.
Kazz
I don’t really agree with Malcolm Q. Perhaps parades here in the states have become just as stated, but that is only because we are not being threatened with extreme oppression and violence to the degree of the stone wall and pre-stone wall days, and that might have created a complacent attitude with the homos here in the states, but that is our fault (a fact that disconcerting). I regards to Israel though, and many other countries, any parade IS a rally or act of activism, and like in the stonewall days, there should be no backing down… even in the face of violence. Our cause is greater!
Paul Raposo
Does anyone really believe that these bigots will leave the rally alone? If they were willing burn and riot in the streets, they’ll be just as willing to do so in an enclosed space. Only now, there will be less police protection.
Jake
Ryan, unless own ass is on the line, I don’t think you can question the bravado of those who decided not to hold the parade. ..And my friend, its Gandhi, not “Ghandi.”