Mourners in Jerusalem's Zion Square on August 2, 2009 pay tribute to the Israelis killed at the Tel Aviv gay community centre. Photo: JTA
JERUSALEM — Tens of thousands of Israelis have demonstrated in solidarity with Israel’s gay community at a rally in Tel Aviv.
The Saturday night rally also was a show of support for the victims of last week’s shooting at a Tel Aviv community centre for gay and lesbian youth in which two people were killed and a dozen wounded.
Israeli President Shimon Peres addressed the crowd, which organizers put at 70,000, but police estimated at 20,000.
“The bullets that hit the gay community at the beginning of the week struck us all as people, as Jews, as Israelis,” said Peres.
“All people were created in God’s image,” he added, “and all citizens have equal rights. All men are born equal, and every citizen has the right to be who he is — to be free and proud”.
Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Culture and Sport Minister Limor Livnat, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and Meretz lawmaker Nitzan Horowitz, who is gay, were among those attending the rally.
Popular Israeli musicians Rita, Dana International, Ninet Tayeb and Amir Fay Guttman performed at the gathering.
JTA
