Space Network News Jerusalem-based news website highlighting positive and inspiring stories & news

Some 15,000 people took to the streets of Israel’s capital to express their solidarity with the LGBTQ community; among those detained by the police, is a suspect who was carrying a knife; Israel’s first openly gay minister Amir Ohana, heavily booed

Some 15,000 people turned out Thursday in the capital as part of the 18th annual Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade. The event got underway under increased security measures implemented by the police, with at least 2,600 police officers deployed to secure the march, nearly 100 more than last year.

The police in Jerusalem said at least 49 people had been detained before and during the parade, including a man carrying a knife who was arrested by undercover police officers just hours before the event was due to get underway. The police said the suspect refused to identify himself and was taken for further questioning.

Israel’s first openly gay minister Amir Ohana from Likud, who was assigned the justice portfolio by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, arrived at the Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem - where the pride parade was to kick-off - was booded by the crowd assembed at the location, with some shouting 'Shame, Shame' and 'What have you done for our community?' at the new minister.

"It's important that all of you are here, despite demonstrating against me," Ohana said to the crowd before leaving the event shortly after.

Earlier in the day, two other people were detained by the police on suspicion of trying to disrupt the event considered controversial by some members of the ultra-Orthodox community, prevalent in the holy city.

The police gave no further details about the suspects' identities or what they were planning to do at the event.

Many parents with children and baby carriages attended this year’s celebration. One father, asked why he brought his family to Pride this year, responded that his son was on the [gender] spectrum. This was their first time at the Jerusalem Pride, he said, and his son, no older than six, was wearing a dress.

The celebration and march were held under tight security. In a new crowd control initiative, Pride participants had to wear entry bracelets. Police spokesperson Mickey Rosenfeld said everyone was able to enter, and that Israel Police were prepared to secure the route for a crowd of up to 30,000 people.

Likud MK Amir Ohana, who became Israel's first openly gay minister on Wednesday when he was appointed interim justice minister, also attended the event. Video footage shows the right-wing Knesset member being booed by the crowd, with people chanting "Embarrassment."

Ohana later said, "As a liberal who believes wholeheartedly in freedom of expression, I told the same group of protesters protesting against me, neither ultra-Orthodox nor religious, that it was important that they came there. I just hope that this did not overshadow the main message that should emerge from this event. 

It does not matter whether you are religious, secular, rightist, leftist, LGBT or not - the message is a message of tolerance. "

Both the Blue and White and Meretz parties were also represented.